Jen Rubin interviews Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on how to build bridges and what compels him to do so

[Celerity]

“This is not the healing that the country needed in this moment”

https://contrarian.substack.com/p/this-is-not-the-healing-that-the

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) has been in office for just over two years, yet he has already made a big impression well beyond his state. That is due, in part, to his leadership in the aftermath of the Frances Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024. (By June, he was able to announce the Fort McHenry Channel had been cleared, far faster than many expected.) Moore, forty-six, is a Rhodes scholar, decorated combat veteran, financial entrepreneur, charitable foundation leader, and author of five best-selling books, embodies the “muscular progressivism” that I have written about (tough on public safety, focused on private sector growth, and determined to increase opportunity for all through smart investments in education, childcare, and health care.) His ebullient, sunny personality comes through, whether in a one-on-one conversation or a large gathering.

In an interview on Wednesday, Moore reflected back on the bridge collapse. “I will never forget that first morning—how cold it was and every camera in the world felt like it was there descending upon you. And you needed to give answers.” He rose to the occasion, laying down four markers: bringing closure to victims’ families; clearing the channel as fast as possible; protecting Marylanders from the economic fallout; and rebuilding the bridge. “Every bit of our work kind of went back to those four global goals,” he said. “And we're now on pace to accomplish all four” (with 100 percent of costs covered by the federal government). Soon, he will announce the “Progressive Design Build” and set a timeline to complete construction.

As somebody admired for his leadership, Moore describes two critical management principles: a “unified command” (i.e. appear with all partners at briefings, make certain everyone is on the same page) and “a regular communications cycle.” People get frustrated when the “only time they hear about things is when it's bad news.” A robust website, frequently updated, continues to provide reams of data on repair operations.



Moore acknowledges that his approach stems directly from his military training. “I'm a combat veteran. This is how we were trained to kind of operate… [where] the only certainty is uncertainty.” He adds: “There has to be a measure of predictability for the people who you're working with, especially in times of crisis when nothing feels predictable. They need to be able to rely on you to give you a predictable cadence.”

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[Bleacher Creature]

1. He could legitimately be the right candidate for 2028.

He's my governor, so I'm biased, but I expect to see him in the Oval Office one day.

[tulipsandroses]

2. I like Wes. I think he's presidential material

Might be the right candidate given the blatant racism on display, it may shock people into action. However, I do want a little more fire in the belly against trump at this time.
He has Jamaican roots, another chance to tell a different story about immigration.

[La Coliniere]

3. I see him as a true leader and a great spokesman for the Democratic agenda.

Wish he would make himself more visible on the national stage right now and agree to be a major communicator for the Democrats. He has credibility and charisma.

[RJ-MacReady]

4. Wes Moore

Is the type of Democrat and leader the party needs. We need more Pritzkers, Moores, Newsom's Whitmers and Shapiros.