(23.Februar 2015) Upon leaving the White House, Podesta founded the Center for American Progress, which promotes progressive values. Soliciting wealthy donors like George Soros, Herb and Marion Sandler, Peter Lewis, and Steve Bing, Podesta turned himself and the Center into liberal powerhouses.

“[Podesta] believes in and uses power in a way that many Democrats are too pusillanimous to do,” said Paul Begala, a former Clinton White House aide. “He’s not afraid to use power, and ruthlessly if necessary… He’s the real thing.”