Governor Wes Moore on the Future of American Politics and Leadership – An NPR Exclusive
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has dismissed speculation about a potential presidential run in 2028, focusing instead on his re-election campaign in 2026. However, in a compelling video interview with NPR, Moore delved into the significant challenges awaiting President Trump’s successor come January 20, 2029. At 47, Moore is widely considered a rising star within the Democratic Party.
A decorated combat veteran, dedicated anti-poverty advocate, and charismatic speaker, Moore achieved a historic victory in 2022, winning the governorship in his first-ever campaign. Comparisons between Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore to the Obamas have been frequent. The Governor participated in the premiere of NPR’s Newsmakers, a new video podcast featuring in-depth interviews with prominent figures from various sectors – business, sports, and the political arena.
Newsmakers is available on YouTube, Spotify, and npr.org. Segments from the interviews are also featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, Up First, All Things Considered, and Consider This. Watch Gov. Moore’s interview here.
Key Takeaways from the Interview
Moore, who served in Afghanistan with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division – the same unit recently deployed to the Persian Gulf region by President Trump – reflected on past strategic exercises. “We used to run battle drills on Iran and how complicated it was,” he recalled, noting these drills took place 25 years ago. He cautioned against unilateral action, stating that President Trump should have exhausted all other options before authorizing force and should address the nation regarding the war’s objectives.
While reaffirming his commitment to his re-election bid, Moore offered a thoughtful analysis of the qualities needed in the next president. He emphasized the importance of practical solutions, drawing on his own experiences in Maryland. “The answer cannot simply be, well, now we’ve just got to put everything back together without an understanding of why [Trump] carried this country for a second time,” Moore stated. “There was something functionally broken” in the government’s service to its citizens.
Reforming Presidential Power
Moore argued that some institutions were irrevocably damaged by the Trump administration and cannot be restored. Others, he suggested, may survive but “need to be broken.” When pressed for an example, he proposed a radical change: “I would take the pardon power away from the president and every single governor.” This would necessitate a constitutional amendment.
Moore, who previously issued a mass pardon for misdemeanor drug convictions as governor, expressed dismay over President Trump’s pardons of January 6th rioters and individuals connected to his business dealings. “It is disgusting. And it’s a grift,” he declared. “If that’s how it’s going to be used, I would take it from all of us.”
Beyond Traditional Progressive Ideals
Throughout the interview, Moore challenged conventional progressive thinking. He advocated for “equal opportunity” rather than “equal outcomes,” criticizing the notion that fairness equates to everyone reaching the same destination. He also offered a critical perspective on philanthropy, suggesting that some charitable giving is motivated by the donor’s self-satisfaction rather than genuine impact. Moore previously led the Robin Hood Foundation, where he focused on addressing systemic issues that perpetuate poverty.
Moore also called for non-profits to become more actively engaged in the political process, advocating for substantive change through direct engagement with the government, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s criticisms of non-partisan organizations.
Source: NPR
