Joe Crowley, former Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, on Two Decades in Congress

Joe Crowley was a district party leader at 23, in the New York State Assembly at 26, and in the US House at 37...a political prodigy by any measure. He talks the early lessons learned in Queens politics, his time around Governor Mario Cuomo, his rise through the Assembly and Congress, his 2018 primary against AOC, and memorable moments and valuable insights from 20 years in the House. 

IN THIS EPISODE…

The Crowley family lore that intersects with the Titanic…

Congressman Crowley’s early political memories growing up in Queens…

The family connection between the Crowleys and the Cuomos…

The story behind a 26-year-old Joe Crowley elected to the state legislature…

The enduring mystery behind his candidacy for Queens College president…

Memories of the “totalitarian” nature of the New York State Legislature…

He remembers the “magnetic” personality of Mario Cuomo, plus how close he came to a Cuomo Presidential bid…

He talks how Mario Cuomo and Geraldine Ferraro opened the door for pro-choice Catholics in New York politics…

The unusual story behind his surprising 1998 candidacy for Congress…

His first impressions of Congress…

The Joe Crowley 101 of what new members should know…

Congressman Crowley “expends some political muscle” to advance marriage equality…

How Congressman Crowley climbed the leadership ladder to become Democratic Caucus Chair…

Congressman Crowley’s perspective on the Pelosi-Hoyer relationship…

A glimpse into the intensity surrounding the ACA legislative process…

How he views the 2018 primary against AOC with a few years hindsight…

How he’s approached his post-congressional career…

The Broadway musical Congressman Crowley is helping produce…

His thoughts on running for mayor or running statewide…

Advice for those in government relations…

Congressman Crowley’s relationship with both Presidents Obama and Biden…

Who’s the hardest working person in Washington?

Congressman Crowley’s early instincts toward Donald Trump…

Congressman Crowley’s 2022 advice for Congressional Democrats…

AND…9/11, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bella Abzug, John Adams, John Boehner, boiler engineers, Dick Cain, Steve Chabot, civility in discourse, County Armagh, the DCCC, Geraldine Ferraro, the Five Points, Frontline Democrats, Ben Gillman, Thomas Jefferson, John Kennedy, Ed Koch, John Larson, Barbara Lee, Donald Manes, a members’ member, Cathy Nolan, Tom Manton, the New Dem Coalition, Dave Obey, Paradise Square, Nancy Pelosi, Powell Memorial High, Paul Ryan, John Sabini, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Chuck Schumer, shoe leather, Bud Shuster, Squire Patton Boggs, Tammany Hall, Walter McCaffery, Watergate babies, & more!