From David's Desk
Featured Edition
What history tells us about this midterm election
David Rubenstein looks at what history suggests about this year’s US midterm election, the factors that could push results in either direction, and the Senate races most likely to decide control of that chamber.
Read the latest edition A newsletter penned by Pacharbor Capital Group Co-Founder and Co-Chairman David M. Rubenstein. Each edition provides insights on public policy, geopolitics, and other topics in and around Washington, DC.
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From David's Desk
America at 250: David Rubenstein on the history behind the holiday
David Rubenstein reflects on the Declaration of Independence, the founding generation, and what America's 250th anniversary means for how we understand our history and our future.
From David's Desk
The art of the interview
Drawing on his own wealth of experience, David Rubenstein examines the enduring appeal of the interview format and why it has become such a dominant force across modern media, sharing guidance on what makes an interviewer effective and what it takes to be a strong interviewee.
From David's Desk
How I became a fan of Formula 1
David Rubenstein looks at the rise of Formula 1, exploring how the sport evolved from early car racing into a global platform that blends competition, technology, entertainment, and business.
From David's Desk
Celebrating Alan Greenspan: Reflections on the maestro
David Rubenstein reflects on Alan Greenspan’s legacy as he turns 100, offering personal insights on Greenspan’s leadership at the Federal Reserve and his impact on economic policy.
From David's Desk
How one date came to define a nation
David Rubenstein examines why July 4, 1776, became America’s birthday and how the Declaration of Independence shaped the nation’s founding principles.
From David's Desk
Remembering Lou Gerstner: Business titan, generous soul
David Rubenstein reflects on the life and legacy of Lou Gerstner, a close friend and one of the most influential business leaders of his generation, and the values that shaped both his career and his philanthropic work.
From David's Desk
How Washington’s institutions took shape
David Rubenstein looks at how five leading Washington cultural landmarks - all of which he has served over the years - grew through public-private cooperation and how they continue to evolve.
From David's Desk
US debt, deficits, and the missed opportunity
David Rubenstein reflects on the history of US debt, the scale of today’s challenge, and the opportunity cost of not committing more toward technology, infrastructure, education, and competitiveness.
From David's Desk
The Presidential Timeline – Part II
The 2028 presidential race may still be years away, but potential candidates are already testing the waters. David Rubenstein outlines the early landscape—offering insight into who may run, why they might, and how history might shape their path.
From David's Desk
The Presidential Timeline – Part 1
David Rubenstein examines the political pastime that defines Washington: predicting the next president.
From David's Desk
When peace gets its moment
David Rubenstein reflects on why the Nobel Peace Prize continues to command such global recognition, and what makes it uniquely meaningful among the world’s most prestigious honors.
From David's Desk
Happy Birthday, Secretary Baker
As James A. Baker III turns 95, Pacharbor Capital Group Co-Founder and Co-Chairman David Rubenstein reflects on a lifetime of public service—from shaping US foreign policy to mentoring the next generation of leaders.
From David's Desk
Can a president serve more than two terms?
David Rubenstein takes a closer look at a question that’s been making headlines: Is the two-term limit for US presidents truly set in stone?
From David's Desk
The Kennedy Center: A history
David Rubenstein—who served as Chair of the Kennedy Center Board for 14 years—shares an insightful reflection on the Center’s history,
From David's Desk
Panda-monium in Washington
With a mix of history, diplomacy, and personal anecdotes, David Rubenstein discusses the long-standing tradition of “panda diplomacy” between the United States and China, the challenges of panda conservation, and his own role in bringing these beloved animals back to the nation’s capital.
From David's Desk
You say goodbye and I say hello
David Rubenstein reflects on the traditions and significance of United States presidential inaugurations, exploring the unique elements of this peaceful transfer of power and examining the milestones that have defined this hallmark of American government.
From David's Desk
The debt limit lives to fight another day
David Rubenstein delves into the critical challenges of America's debt ceiling, tracing its historical origins, unpacking its political intricacies, and examining its financial implications.
From David's Desk
Trump's second act
David Rubenstein shares his analysis of the 2024 US presidential election, including five overarching questions that he believes this outcome raises.
From David's Desk
The path to the presidency
David Rubenstein shares his thoughts on the upcoming US presidential election.
From David's Desk
Saying goodbye and thank you to President Carter
Having come to Washington to serve in the Carter Administration, David Rubenstein reflects on President Jimmy Carter, sharing personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights from his time in the White House.
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