Join us for the RFKHR Book Club Conversation on September 7 from 12-1 pm EDT / 9-10 am PT. We host these quarterly virtual gatherings to engage our members, amplify social justice activists, authors, and journalists, and provide a deep dive into our work
This month’s selection, 535 Not 1, written by former Congressman Richard Gephardt, describes Gephardt’s public life experience, from modest beginnings to leadership in the United States House of Representatives. The book deals with the foundations of present-day issues faced by the American Legislature — including foreign policy/terrorism, government spending and budget deficits, inflation, health care reform, impeachment, and many others — shared through the insights of Gephardt’s tenure in Congress, from 1977 to 2005. Through warmth, humility, and love of the country, Gephardt tells his story that combines amusing anecdotes and intrinsic perspectives.
Meet The Author:
Richard A. Gephardt, President and CEO, Gephardt Group
Richard Gephardt served for 28 years in the United States House of Representatives from 1976 to 2004, representing Missouri's 3rd Congressional District, home to his birthplace St. Louis. In his role as Leader, Gephardt emerged as one of the leading strategists of the Democratic Party's platform and chief architect to landmark reforms ranging from healthcare, pensions, education, energy independence and trade policy. He was elected to serve as House Democratic Leader for more than 14 years, as House Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995 and Minority Leader from 1995 to 2003.
Gephardt retired from the U.S. Congress in 2005 to found Gephardt Group, a privately held labor relations consulting and government affairs firm. Most recently, Gephardt was a member of the Board of Directors at Spirit Aerosystems, Centene Corporation, Ford Motor Company, CenturyLink and U.S. Steel Corporation.