Interviews
Mark K. Updegrove, a masterful interviewer, has skillfully captured the essence of American leadership through candid conversations with iconic figures such as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nancy Pelosi, and more. His insightful dialogues unveil the personal reflections, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history, offering readers a rare and intimate glimpse into the minds of some of the nation's most influential personalities.
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Former President George W. Bush — in his first comments about the attack on Israel — warned that the expected Israeli ground offensive in Gaza is "going to be ugly for a while." Why it matters: Bush, calling himself "kind of a hardliner," said out loud what other leaders won't — that he believes there'll be a temptation for the public to buckle and think peace is an option.
On Jan. 30, 2020, the LBJ Foundation gave its most prestigious recognition, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, to Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court of the United States. The program was held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and included a conversation with Justice Ginsburg moderated by LBJ Foundation President and CEO, Mark K. Updegrove.
On October 3, 2017, the 47th Vice President of the United States Joe Biden served as the fifth annual Tom Johnson Lectureship featured speaker at the LBJ Presidential Library & Museum in Austin, TX. The conversation was moderated by Mark K. Updegrove, LBJ Foundation President and CEO.
On March 22, 2022, we welcomed the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives and one of the most consequential political figures of our times. Fittingly, Speaker Pelosi was with us during Women’s History Month. In 2007, she became the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives, and made history again in 2019 when she was once again elected Speaker, becoming the first person to regain the position in over half a century. The conversation was moderated by Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation.
On April 8, 2019, two civil rights legends, Dolores Huerta and Andrew Young, discussed the movements they waged, what those efforts mean today, and what we can learn from them as we continue the quest for equality in 21st century America. This conversation took place at the Summit on Race in America hosted at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, TX.
Former President Bill Clinton sat down with Mark K. Updegrove of ABC News to discuss the presidential tradition established by former President Reagan: leaving a handwritten note for the incoming president.
On October 18, 2011, former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev visited the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. When LBJ Library Director Mark Updegrove asked how history would regard him, Mr. Gorbachev replied through his translator, “The answer is ‘good.’ That’s a joke. My second joke is that history is a fickle lady, but I’m proud of the life that I have lived. And let history decide."
