Tag: Douglas Rooks

Talk of the Towns 4/13/18

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Engineer: Amy Browne

Conversation with Douglas Rooks on Rise, Decline and Renewal: The Democratic Party in Maine, published by Hamilton Books, 2018

Key Discussion Points:
You begin your book with chapters on the Rise of the Democratic Party… what was so remarkable about Edmund Muskie’s election as governor in 1954?
Who was key to the rise of the democratic party and what were their key contributions (Coffin, Muskie, Curtis, Brennan)
In the meantime, what was happening in the Republican party and the role of independent candidates? (Longley, King, Cutler)
What internal factors led to the decline of the Democratic party in Maine…
What has been the effect of term limits on governance in Maine and the ability of either party to lead?
What hopes do you have for renewal? What can overcome the current state of politics in Maine? Review suggestions for Voting, Party, Legislative and Budget Reform (Chapter 9)

Guests: Douglas Rooks, journalist, author of Statesman: George Mitchell and the Art of the Possible in 2016; former editor, Maine Times, and editorial page editor, Kennebec Journal

Talk of the Towns 8/12/16

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Program Topic: Statesman: George Mitchell and the Art of the Possible, new biography

Key Discussion Points:
What qualities led George Mitchell to be successful over the course of his career in the Senate and as a negotiator?
What intrigued you most about how Mitchell practiced “the art of the possible” in his Senate leadership and in his handling of the conflicts in Northern Ireland and in Palestine? (any brief stories to illustrate his skill as “statesman”)
What were some of the challenges in writing this book?
What came together particularly well for you as researcher and writer?
Earlier, we spoke of some of the elements in Maine and the larger society that fostered Senator Mitchell’s leadership… what has happened in Maine and the nation since, to produce such a backlash to the sort of leadership he offered?

Guest: Douglas Rooks, reporter, author of the book