In 1988, Governor Michael Dukakis accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. He reflects on his long arc of leadership in the documentary "Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy,” from his formative years as the son of Greek immigrants up to the present, where he mentors budding public servants as a college professor and chairs a commission to connect Boston’s North and South rail stations — a project he has backed since the 1970s. During a time of unprecedented uncertainty in American politics, the film offers a reason to pause, take stock in the past and look forward with renewed faith in what’s possible when people believe in democracy and each other.
Following a screening of the film, Morning Edition host Tiziana Dearing moderated a panel conversation about Dukakis’ lifelong commitment to public transportation and his enduring legacy in politics with:
- Erin Trahan — Co-director (with Jeff Schmidt) of "Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy" and WBUR film critic
- Ian Coss — Producer, “The Big Dig” podcast
- Juan Gallego — Associate deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and one of Dukakis’ mentees