As far as Fortune 500 CEOs go, Delta Air Lines chief Ed Bastian is among the most outspoken in his progressive views. He’s taken a key anti-gun stance, he’s said lack of access to polling places in Georgia is “unacceptable,” and he believes it’s incumbent upon CEOs to play offense, not defense when it comes to defending basic human rights. In a recent appearance with Fortune CEO Alan Murray and editor-at-large Michal Lev-Ram on the Leadership Next podcast, he revealed the strain of separating business from politics. If you try to be “just as strong with Republicans as Democrats—and we want everybody to be flying on Delta, and they all do fly on Delta—we will be okay,” he said.
“I’m not a politician, and I’m not looking to make political statements,” Bastian added. “I’m looking to run the best airline I can and be a voice for our people, you know, when it matters.”
