A life steeped in literature fueled the rise of the nation’s first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office. Ghazala Hashmi discusses the power of storytelling and why she believes a well-worn novel is her secret weapon for navigating the high-stakes drama of government.

Later in the show: James Baldwin’s writings challenge the traditional democratic narrative. Pamela Reed discusses Baldwin’s views on the costs of maintaining a racial hierarchy within America’s democratic framework. Plus: Former Bush White House speechwriter Mary Kate Cary dives into the transformative power of voices like Margaret Chase Smith, who stood up to McCarthyism, and Harvey Milk, who ignited the gay rights movement.