It Takes Chutzpah

"For decades, my friend Ron Wyden has been a relentless force for finding creative solutions to break the gridlock in Washington debates, from health care to climate to civil rights to taxes and safeguarding our democracy. He starts with how best to improve the lives of people, and works backwards from there. He's a fellow wonk who gets things done, and this book is a great guide to that work."

“During his time in Washington, Sen. Ron Wyden has picked fights with Big Oil, insurance giants, greedy billionaires, and the surveillance state, while finding ways to make real change for working Americans in a deeply divided Senate. That is only possible with wisdom, patience, and a whole lot of coraje.”

“I have known Ron Wyden for more than 40 years, dating back to when he was a member of the House and I was a very junior congressional staff member.  He has never lost his passion for helping people or his willingness to stand up for what he believes.  His book shares important lessons on how to lead effectively, including the timeless principles he learned from his high school basketball coach and the values he learned from sports along the way.”

“Senator Wyden’s IT TAKES CHUTZPAH is a powerful guide for creating real change. His bold action and ability to unite people across divides is something I deeply admire. Having partnered with him to reform the Troubled Teen Industry, I believe anyone committed to making the world a better place can learn a lot from the Senator!”

“Chutzpah rules! -- both as Sen. Wyden’s eight norms of effective leadership and advocacy, and as a leitmotif for what America’s  extraordinary challenges calls for from people of conscience of all religions and none.  By transforming  into universal tools of social transformation the age old Jewish cultural and ethical values of chutzpah and tikkun olam, values that inspired and guided him through his fascinating  journey to become one of the U.S Senate’s most effective and influential figures, he has crafted a memoir and the call to action that America needs.”

“I have known Ron Wyden for over 40 years. We are members of opposing political parties, but we share one very important trait in common: our love for   the state of Oregon.  It has allowed us to overcome differences and fight for common causes. In IT TAKES CHUTZPAH, Ron shares many of his innermost thoughts; it’s an excellent book on leadership, which will be of great benefit and reading enjoyment for any person in a managerial position or looking to affect change.”

“Ron Wyden’s IT TAKES CHUTZPAH is a beautifully written and thought-provoking memoir by the most accomplished U.S. Senator in Oregon’s illustrious history. In riveting fashion, Wyden recounts his Jewish parents' escape from Nazi Germany to America and his own brave activism as a Gray Panther in the 1970’s.  It reminds readers that this even-keeled and indefatigable Oregonian shines as the North Star of what a conviction-driven public servant in the 21st century should look like.”

“The grandson of immigrants who fled Nazi Europe, Ron weaves an interesting and instructive tale of his ability to influence public policy through the lense of his inheritance from his family: “Chutzpah”—determination and self-confidence—and the desire to do “Tikun Olam”—Repair the World. His Jewish values are American values, and his call to others to follow his lead is particularly timely.”