A Conversation With Maxine Waters @ Barnsdall 4/13/17
Maxine Waters knows how to command a room, even with laryngitis.
Taking the stage at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater in Barnsdall Park across from NBC’s Beverly White, Waters took questions from both White and the audience in attendance. A shorter meeting overall, the purpose of it appeared to be the congresswoman’s attempt to get voters engaged with the political process, particularly at a local level.
“I want people to get to know the county and state committees so that you too can be making those decisions,” Waters told the crowd.
With 27 years of political experience under her belt, Waters ranks as one of the most senior members of the current Congress, and has consistently maintained over 70% of the popular vote with each reelection. Since entering Congress at the height of LA’s crack epidemic, she’s witnessed the beginning of the Iraq war (which she shrewdly opposed at the time), the financial crisis of 2008, endured a political scandal threatening her name, and emerged from all a stronger congresswoman than before. Not only does she understand how to do her job, she also ensures it aligns with the needs of her constituents in the 43rd District, who she says are also behind her in calling for Trump’s impeachment.
“My constituents say ‘Go get him,'” said Waters, to the room’s overwhelming delight.
The event was held by the Los Angeles Press Club, a sign that Waters supports the media, something especially important at this time in history. Though much of this meeting consisted on her views of the current administration, it also provided a sense of awareness and inspiration for constituents who, like Waters, want to see our leaders pushed to accountability for their actions, something she’s all too familiar with. She answered questions on how to engage voters on the other side of the political spectrum, her opposition to the current cabinet, and whether or not she would run for the presidency, a question posed by a curious 12-year-old. Though she declined such aspirations, Waters used it to make a different point.
“No, I’m not going to run for president. I’m going to fix it so that you can run for president.”
