An Honorable Profession
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This week, we bring you another episode of our Road to November 2024 election series, as co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty sit down with Karen Finney. Karen is a CNN political commentator, consultant, and thought leader, renowned for her dynamic career that intersects politics, media, and cultural change. Her, Debbie, and Ryan discuss this year’s presidential campaign, America’s fractured media landscape, the role that reproductive rights will play in key races across the country, and her family’s complicated history in the Civil War. They also talk about how Leaders can help voters discern fact from opinion, effective communication strategies for campaigns, and the significance of focus groups over polling in understanding voter sentiments. Tune in to hear more about this engaging conversation and the intersection of politics, media, and communication in the 2024 elections. • [01:03] An outline of today’s episode and background about Karen. • [02:35] Ways that Democrats can be successful in the upcoming elections. • [05:55] The role of reproductive rights in the election discourse. • [09:01] How reproductive rights intersect with other vital issues. • [10:46] Communicating the positives and negatives in campaign strategies. • [14:42] What to expect from media coverage on the election going forward. • [17:28] Important perspective on the value of polls and why Karen values focus groups. • [20:44] Advice for leaders to effectively engage with their voters. • [24:18] How political coverage has changed within the media landscape. • [29:04] Karen’s family’s history with the Civil War and how it has impacted her. • [33:20] Confronting hard truths to help build a better country.
Today, we’re sharing NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan’s recent appearance on the Moderate Party Podcast – a political podcast focusing on the perspective of moderates, centrists, and Independents. Host Hillari Lombard and Debbie talk about the Biden-Harris Administration’s impressive track record, what it means to be a moderate, why the topic of community is important to the Democratic party, and the media's coverage of this year's election. In addition, they explore specific policy debates facing NewDEALers and their colleagues in state and local government across the county. Tune in to hear about how the NewDEAL is encouraging elected officials at every level to take an active role in defending democracy. __ __
This week, we bring you another episode of our Road to November 2024 election series, as co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty sit down with Simon Rosenberg, a political commentator and strategist, who famously, and correctly, rejected the prediction of a red wave in 2022. He has now founded the widely read and highly informative Hopium Chronicles newsletter, where he advises readers to worry less and do more. He, Debbie, and Ryan discuss last week’s State of the Union Address, what’s at stake in the November elections, and why, as a Democrat, he would “rather be us than them.” They talk about ways to find common ground and bridge divides with voters through effective and factual messaging and discuss the disconnect between what the Biden-Harris administration has actually accomplished and what the public is aware of. Simon also tells us why Democrats should remain optimistic in the face of daunting polls and why political debates are representative of a healthy Democracy. Tune in to hear Simon’s six reasons why Americans should not vote for Trump this November. • [01:04] This episode’s content and guest, Simon Rosenberg. • [02:17] Simon unpacks his statement, ‘The president is clearly fighting for us; now we need to fight for him.’ • [04:02] His strategy of finding common ground in a swing state and what it might look like to build an expansive coalition. • [09:25] The shift in positioning that has occurred where the Democratic Party has come to represent continuity. • [13:56] Six truths about Trump that have the power to destabilize his position. • [16:39] What we can learn from recent Republican polling and what it means for the upcoming election. • [20:54] An appropriate response to information asymmetry. • [25:10] Why debates are a sign of a healthy party. • [32:08] Simon’s substack community, Hopium, and how to get involved. • [35:00] A solution to the loudness problem faced by Democrats today. • [38:55] The four freedoms that underpin Simon’s philosophy.
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Maine Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier. They talk about how Cloutier’s experiences caring for her mother influenced her to pass paid family leave in the Pine Tree State, the issue of housing affordability in her community, and how she balances her day job with family life and her role in public office. She also reflects on the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, how she’s found solace and support by sharing her experiences with fellow electeds, and why enacting common sense gun safety laws must start at the community level. Tune in to also hear how working with college students inspires Representative Cloutier to champion future-focused policy. __ __
This week’s episode kicks off our Road to November 2024 election series. In this regular series, co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty will be joined by some of the nation’s top political minds to discuss key issues and trends impacting this year’s elections. For today’s conversation, Ryan and Debbie speak with Sam Youngman, a Los Angeles-based political consultant, former campaign reporter, White House correspondent, and co-writer for Today’s Big Stuff – a political newsletter he authors with Adam Parkhomenkothat that focuses on cutting through the noise during these crazy times. They talk about the current state of American politics, why Democrats need to be as relentless as the opposition, and Sam’s hopes for the future. They also cover the current and future state of political media coverage, the key problem with third-party candidates, and how Gen Z voters will impact the upcoming election. Tune in to this engaging conversation and learn more about why Sam believes his newsletter can “save America by swearing.” __ __
In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Mayor Johnson was drawn to public service at a very young age while participating in a YMCA pre-college and service program for low-income youth in Milwaukee public schools. Now, he’s making history as the city’s first elected Black mayor, bringing his diverse perspective and his experiences as a lifelong Milwaukeean to his decision-making and leadership. Since taking office in 2021, Mayor Johnson has prioritized public safety and championed meaningful opportunities for the youth in his community. Debbie and Mayor Johnson discuss how federal investments from the Biden-Harris administration during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed him to invest in housing and workforce development initiatives, and how he has prioritized attracting and retaining talent. Tune in to learn about Johnson’s thoughts on how to best influence swing voters in Wisconsin and his vision for Milwaukee’s future. __ __
In today’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis. They discuss the challenges of serving in a superminority, the senator’s ability to pass core legislation in criminal justice by working across the aisle, and how he plans on helping low-income families with the earned tax income credit. Duplessis also talks about his goals to transition Louisiana off of hazardous fossil fuels and onto renewable energy, as well as how the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Katrina opened his eyes to the myriad climate and justice issues facing his community. In addition, he unpacks Louisiana’s recent battle over congressional maps, why he decided to serve on the new governor’s transition team despite ideological differences, and how he stumbled into a career in politics. And you'll also want to tune in for Senator Duplessis’s tips for experiencing authentic New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. __ __
In this episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty gets an update on the latest debates in Washington from Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. They discuss her approach to fighting for working families and her focus on family-orientated policies that help drive economic growth, as well as her commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health crises in communities across the nation. Looking ahead to November, Kuster says it's crucial for Americans to hear how Democrats are fighting to protect fundamental freedoms and expand opportunities, referencing the Freedom Agenda released by the New Dems and NewDEAL as a guide for the Party's platform. She reflects on last month’s primary elections in New Hampshire, where President Biden won the Democratic nomination by way of a grassroots write-in campaign, and why former president Donald Trump is a threat to American institutions. Finally, tune in to hear Representative Kuster recount her harrowing experiences on January 6th, 2021, and how that experience continues to inform her approach to public service. In this episode: __ __
In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan partners with State Democracy Action Fund (SDAF) interim Executive Director Kate Stoner to convene four NewDEALers who are in state legislative leadership roles in red, blue, and purple states for a conversation about their priorities for 2024. Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, and Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell reflect on opportunities to make progress on issues like housing, gun violence, and education, and the outlook on reproductive rights and voting access while analyzing the political landscape in their states ahead of the 2024 election. They discuss whether bipartisan agreement is possible this year and concerns for Democrats operating in the minority. Tune in for a comprehensive look at what we can expect to take center stage in state legislatures in the coming months. IN THIS EPISODE __ __
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams. They talk about Williams' career path as a community leader, social justice advocate, and political organizer, and her commitment to improving life in her community by creating economic opportunities, championing housing, and protecting seniors. They discuss what people should know about how decisions are made at the local level and the challenges she seeks to address in 2024, including the unexpected issues that come up for local leaders, like fallen trees in her district. Williams also highlights the importance of transparency and accessibility in government, how more diverse leadership can result in better policies, and what inspired her to run for office. Tune in for a conversation about the profound impact of local leadership on our day-to-day lives. __ __
In this week's episode, host Ryan Connerty speaks with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, who shares the state’s ambitious policy goals, discusses her keys to achieving bipartisan results, and talks about how Michigan is protecting the integrity of its elections. The first woman to lead the Michigan Senate, Brinks rose to public office as the result of a last-minute write-in campaign. Despite never intending to run for office and viewing herself as an "unlikely" politician, Senator Brinks is driven by her experiences as one of five children growing up on her family's dairy farm and is dedicated to shaping policy that provides a safety net for families. Ryan and Senator Brinks reflect on Michigan Democrats' exciting wins on gun safety, reproductive rights, and renewable energy in 2023 and how Brinks hopes to build on these accomplishments in 2024, while continuing to find areas of bipartisan agreement. She also offers a view of the November elections from the Great Lakes State, highlighting the ways that effective Democratic policies are rising above Republican chaos. Tune in to hear Senator Brinks' 2024 game plan for her caucus, as well as her advice for those who are debating a run for office. (01:55) Welcoming Michigan Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks. (02:35) An overview of how things have been going in Michigan at the start of 2024. (04:39) The Michigan Clean Energy Act and the state’s ambitious goal of having 100% Clean energy by 2040. (07:56) How Senator Brinks champions bipartisan collaboration. (10:39) How Michigan is leading nationally on election integrity and security in response to the 2020 election. (12:42) The Senate Majority Leader’s perspective on the future of democratic participation and whether the country can move past election denialism and misinformation. (14:51) Her unexpected journey to politics through education, non-profits, and volunteering. (16:35) How her experiences growing up inform her work today. (21:42) Why economic and community development in Michigan requires an all-the-above approach to uplifting families. (23:32) Senator Brinks’s personal experience working in government as someone who never intended to run for office. (27:35) A view of the 2024 election from the Great Lakes State and why an earlier primary in Michigan is more representative of the country as a whole. (28:28) Chaos in the Michigan Republican party in juxtaposition with the proven efficacy of the Democratic party.
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with climate activist and host of the “Living Change” podcast Andrea Learned. Andrea advises corporate, political, and cultural leaders to harness the power of social media and storytelling to drive progress and promote climate leadership. Ryan and Andrea talk about how the fight against climate change is reaching a critical point in 2024 and about ways leaders at all levels of government can make changes in their personal lives, on their teams, and in their policy work to make a difference. They discuss the need to draw more attention to successful climate policies and what it takes to hold leaders accountable regardless of their party affiliation. Andrea also describes her path to activism and climate influence and how she brings a unique approach to creating impactful change. Tune in to learn Andrea's keys to effective climate storytelling and what it takes to get the media to tell the stories that the public needs to hear. IN THIS EPISODE (02:23) A recap of the progress made in 2023 for combating the climate crisis. (03:34) How to build the political will needed to mitigate the necessary changes. (06:03) Changes that resonate with the community and develop political will. (8:14) The power of sharing climate solutions with neighbors to enact change (10:24) An example of some of the positive changes being made. (11:38) Background on Andrea and her path to becoming a climate advisor. (14:21) Positive and negative changes she has seen in the environmental space. (16:29) Creating engagement in small ways to create significant change. (17:36) Tips and advice for leveraging social media platforms to raise your voice. (21:02) The impact that local leaders have on forwarding climate policy and inspiring hope in their constituents. (23:11) How listeners can contribute to and join the climate influencer arena. (24:40) Andrea’s current successes and what she is looking forward to in 2024.
This week features our first episode of the year, recorded live at NewDEAL’s 13th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Representative Maxine Dibert, our first Alaskan guest on the show. They talk about the state’s political dynamics, such as the unique bipartisan coalition system of government and their ranked-choice voting system. Dibert, an elementary school teacher for twenty years, also shares with listeners how her daughter influenced her to run for office and how her career in education has helped her connect with constituents. As the first Alaskan Native woman in the legislature, she has co-sponsored bills to protect her native language and has taken a leading role in the legislature's efforts to address various tribal issues. Dibert also outlines her legislative priorities for the session ahead, including climate change, childcare, and the economy. Tune in to learn what Representative Dibert thinks everybody can learn from Alaska's legislative leadership and why the Last Frontier is worth visiting at any time of the year. IN THIS EPISODE __ __
Happy holidays! While our team is off enjoying a well-deserved break, we're revisiting an episode from our September 2023 Voter Registration Month series, offering a rallying cry for voters and elected leaders nationwide ahead of next year's pivotal national elections. In this episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who has been running elections for almost seventeen years. Despite threats of violence, and an unrelenting barrage of misinformation and disinformation, she continues to find silver linings and remains wholeheartedly committed to her work. They talk about Toulouse Oliver's path to public service, the recently passed New Mexico Voting Rights Act, and the importance of balancing transparency and security in the voting process. Tune in to hear the Secretary's insights on the current state of American democracy and how she continues to find hope and inspiration. __ __
This week, we want to take the opportunity to revisit our November 2023 conversation with political strategist and influencer Olivia Julianna. In this episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty talk with Oliva about living in a conservative Texas household and how she started posting her political opinions online and received national attention for her direct and practical perspective on top policy issues. As her followers grew, so did the haters, including Congressman Matt Gaetz, whose disparaging attacks on her at a 2022 conservative summit motivated Olivia to leverage the limelight to raise $2 million for reproductive rights. Since then, her following has continued to grow, and now she is being asked to guide the White House and state and local leaders on how to connect with young voters. Olivia, Ryan, and Debbie also talk about the disconnect between online and real life, and why Olivia wants Democrats to use simple rhetoric to communicate with voters. Olivia also helps us unpack concerns around voter suppression ahead of the 2024 election, advises young people on how to get more involved in their local politics, and directs Democrats on how to rally voters. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and hear why Olivia believes Texas will be a blue state by 2030. __ __
This week features our third episode recorded live at NewDEAL’s 13th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Washington State Senator Marko Liias, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus. They talk about his innovative policy accomplishments, such as free transit for youth, paid family leave, and digital literacy legislation, all of which are crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy, and how his partnerships with community members inform his legislative priorities. Liias also details his path to public service, from starting on the city council to being appointed Representative in 2008 and winning election to the Senate in 2014. Tune in to learn why Liias wants his fellow elected officials to focus more on solutions rather than fixating on problems. __ __
This week features our second episode recorded live at NewDEAL’s 13th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine about his innovative efforts to give more kids access to high quality education, including through his work around college savings, alternative education pathways, a robust scholarship database, and cross-agency collaborations that make financial aid awards more accessible to low-income first-generation students. They talk about what it was like to have the COVID-19 pandemic hit early in his term, when he influenced banks to offer forbearance to Nevadans, preventing small businesses from closing and allowing families to pay their mortgages and rent. Conine also reflects on the 2022 midterm elections in his state and shares his advice for the Democratic Party in 2024. Tune in to learn about Conine’s path from the private sector to public service, which started with a conversation with the late U.S. Senator Harry Reid. __ __
Recorded live at NewDEAL's 13th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, this week's episode features Oregon Representative and 2023 Ideas Challenge winner Janelle Bynum. Bynum, a 2024 congressional candidate, joins host Ryan Coonerty to talk about her decision to move to Oregon after September 11th and how her experience as a small business owner inspired her to run for office. She discusses her bill leveraging federal CHIPS funding to build a diverse workforce for the future, as well as how she works to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, her ability to champion bipartisan bills and her commitment to providing a safe space for student-athletes. Tune in to learn about Bynum’s decision to run for Congress and how she is “passing opportunity onward.”
Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2023 conversation with Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison. In this special episode, celebrating 5 years and 200 episodes of , hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty talk to Chair Jaime Harrison about his remarkable journey into politics and his vision for growing the Democratic Party. They discuss the outlook for and importance of the 2024 election, including the role of state and local leaders in showing how Democrats can deliver tangible results, how the Biden-Harris Administration has beaten the odds, and what the party is doing to defend democracy and combat voter suppression efforts nationwide. Tune in to learn more about why Harrison is hopeful for the future and his advice to young people looking to pursue a career in public service and elected office.
In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Matt Bennett, the co-founder and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Third Way, a center-left think tank in Washington D.C. and a great partner of the NewDEAL. They talk about what we should take from last Tuesday's election results in states like Kentucky and Virginia, the recent New York Times polling on the 2024 presidential race, and the threat that third-party presidential candidates -- particularly via No Labels' efforts -- pose to our democracy. They also talk about Matt's path into public service, his involvement in an iconic political moment, and Third Way's efforts to champion winning ideas and uplift the center-left. Tune in to hear Matt's tips on what we should do as we head into 2024. __ __
In this week’s episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty speak with political strategist and influencer Olivia Julianna. As a seventeen-year-old living in a conservative Texas household, Olivia started posting her political opinions online and received national attention for her direct and practical perspective on top policy issues. As her followers grew, so did the haters, including Congressman Matt Gaetz, whose disparaging attacks on her at a 2022 conservative summit motivated Olivia to leverage the limelight to raise $2 million for reproductive rights. Since then, her following has continued to grow, and now she is being asked to guide the White House and state and local leaders on how to connect with young voters. Olivia, Ryan, and Debbie also talk about the disconnect between online and real life, and why Olivia wants Democrats to use simple rhetoric to communicate with voters. Olivia also helps us unpack concerns around voter suppression ahead of the 2024 election, advises young people on how to get more involved in their local politics, and directs Democrats on how to rally voters. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and why Olivia believes Texas will be a blue state by 2030. __ __
In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Georgia Representative Phil Olaleye, whose district includes parts of Atlanta and the city of East Point. Olaleye is a passionate education advocate, who also serves as the Executive Director of Next Gen Men & Women, a nonprofit that creates pathways of opportunity for under-resourced students to graduate prepared for college and career. He describes his path to public service, starting with his upbringing as the son of working-class immigrants, his experience in the PeaceCorps, and what it takes to break down barriers for Georgia students living in poverty. The conversation also touches on the bipartisan effort to defeat a private school vouchers bill in the state legislature, as well as the recent court ruling to require the redrawing of Republican-authored congressional and legislative maps that have diluted Black power in Georgia for generations. Tune in to learn why Rep. Olaleye is a dynamic, rising leader you need to keep your eye on. IN THIS EPISODE [02:00] Meet Georgia Representative Phil Olaleye. [02:57] His introduction to public service and the learning curves he has experienced along the way. [04:45] How his upbringing ignited his passion for public service. [06:33] The non-profit, Next Gen Men and Women, where Olaleye serves as the Executive Director. [09:24] What justice means to him and the Discovery Trips hosted by Next Gen Men and Women. [14:42] Why representation is so important to move things along within the Georgia legislature. [15:14] Re-writing the unconstitutional maps in Georgia to restore voting rights for Black voters. [26:00] Georgia’s failed Private Schools Voucher Bill. [27:24] The role of education in the future of our society, particularly in Georgia. [31:40] The first bill Rep. Olaleye sponsored: The Georgia Educational Opportunity Act. [33:25] Why investing in children is the easiest and most important ROI. [37:30] How working in public service has pushed Olaleye to build an inquiring mind and sacrifice for others. [39:42] The story of how he fell in love with the work that he continues to do today. [40:53] His hopeful perspective for the future.
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks to Representative Leonela Felix about her journey from the Dominican Republic to the Rhode Island legislature. She discusses her career in immigration law, how she developed an interest in policy after listening to stories in her community, and how her path to public service was influenced by her work with nonprofits and mobilizing the Latino community in Pawtucket. The conversation also delves into Felix's efforts to promote diverse voices and experiences and improve ethics standards in government. In addition, she talks about her passion for criminal justice reform, and how she balances public service with her other day job and her personal life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and to learn why you should visit Rhode Island on your next getaway. __ __
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks policy and balancing work and family life with Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker. They discuss how Bennett-Parker uses her master’s degree in food anthropology to inform fresh food programs and policies in Virginia, her continuing efforts to expand SNAP benefits for senior citizens, and the push for free, universal school meals. She explains how she has achieved bipartisan support for her bills and the challenges of getting stuff done while juggling the "scheduling gymnastics" of Virginia's part-time legislature, crediting robust collaboration with her staff and colleagues. Bennett-Parker talks about her experience as a new mom in the House of Delegates, as well as some of the steps state legislatures can take to make serving in elected office more accessible for new and working parents. The conversation also examines the prospects for Democrats in a critical off-year election and the future of reproductive rights in Virginia. Tune in for this insightful conversation. __ __
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty is joined by Cincinnati's first Asian American Mayor, Aftab Pureval, who talks about his vision to make Cincinnati the city of the future by taking "big policy swings." They delve into Pureval's major victories so far, such as his efforts to eliminate $1.4 million in medical debt for 30,000 residents, establish a baby bonds program, and start a pilot for universal basic income. In addition, Pureval describes his political journey, including how he leveraged his diverse background to lead a successful mayoral campaign. Tune in to hear Mayor Pureval reflect on the challenges of leading a blue city in an increasingly red state, as well as the lessons he took from the nationally-watched constitutional amendment vote in Ohio this summer. __ __
In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Mayor Lee Harris from Shelby County, TN. Harris was first elected Mayor in 2018 and previously served his community on the Memphis City Council and as a state senator. Debbie and Harris talk about the impact of Tennessee’s dramatic and nationally watched state legislative session, as well as the state's debates on gun safety, including the statewide adoption of Shelby County's safe-gun-storage program. They also discuss some of the Mayor’s innovative initiatives, like his "Work to Break the Cycle" program, which provides job opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals, and the county's mission to reduce barriers to quality healthcare for all residents. Harris also explains how federal funds have catalyzed significant improvements in Shelby County programs and how those funding streams have improved under the Biden administration. Tune in to learn how Harris brings together his career in advocacy and his love for his community to lead Shelby County and create models for good government that are relevant across the country. 1:03] A warm welcome to long-time NewDEAL leader and Shelby County, TN Mayor, Lee Harris. [2:43] Mayor Lee explains the current state of politics in Tennessee, especially about gun violence. [6:02] Fixing the mismatch between the desires of elected officials and the will of the people. [7:55] Safe gun storage, criminal justice reforms, and other Shelby County initiatives. [13:17] Why Mayor Lee and his team are focused on expanding access and breaking down barriers. [18:39] His plans for improving healthcare in his county and state. [23:25] The role of the Federal Government in funding Shelby County’s various initiatives. [26:57] Going back through Mayor Lee’s professional journey and how he landed in his current role. [28:41] What drove him to politics: the need to make a difference. [30:43] His advice for those who want to be an advocate for better living conditions in their area.
In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Virginia State Delegate Irene Shin. They discuss her path to public office, the split partisan composition of the state, and how she aims to bring a fresh perspective and energy into her work to create a more inclusive democracy. Shin comments on the challenges of serving in a part-time legislature and the issues unique to governing in Virginia, as well as her decision to take on an incumbent in a primary. The conversation also touches on Shin's efforts outside the legislature, including as Executive Director of the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, and her time working for Vice-President Kamala Harris, underscoring the Delegate's lifelong passion for public policy and creating a more equitable society. Tune in to learn what motivates Delegate Shin and hear more about her mission to make Virginia a top state for business. (0:02:49) Irene talks about legislating in a divided state. (0:04:55)Thoughts on the prospects of winning back the house for the Democrats. (0:07:37) A look back at Irene's path to working in public policy and office, and the important early steps on this journey. (0:11:19)How Irene got elected and her reflections on the process. (0:15:12) The biggest challenges of working within a part-time legislature. (0:17:28) Rethinking the legislature and who it serves; Irene shares why Virginia needs to move forward. (0:24:18) Irene's experiences of her identity in the context of Virginia and its history. (0:30:28) 'Divisive' subjects in US history and some of the hurdles that these have posed for Irene. (0:33:53) Economic initiatives in Virginia that have supported working families and businesses.
We're celebrating our fifth anniversary and our 200th episode of An Honorable Profession! Thank you to our listeners for being a part of this journey – we look forward to many more years of introducing you to inspiring leaders from across the country who are solving problems and making a difference. In this special episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty are joined by Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, who shares his remarkable journey into politics and his vision for growing the Democratic Party. They discuss the outlook for and importance of the 2024 election, including the role of state and local leaders in showing how Democrats can deliver tangible results, how the Biden-Harris Administration has beaten the odds, and what the party is doing to defend democracy and combat voter suppression efforts nationwide. Tune in to learn more about why Harrison is hopeful for the future and his advice to young people looking to pursue a career in public service and elected office. Help us celebrate our 200th episode and fifth anniversary by sharing this episode with a friend, subscribing to An Honorable Profession wherever you listen to podcasts, and giving us a five star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. IN THIS EPISODE (0:01:05) A special mention honoring our 200th episode and fifth anniversary! (0:02:15) An introduction to guest, Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee. (0:03:37) The 2024 election and why this election cycle is so important for American democracy. (0:05:40) What the DNC is doing to combat tactics that limit people’s ability to vote in the election. (0:09:07) Chair Harrison’s message to voters on what sets the Democrat Party apart from the Republicans. (0:12:30) An overview of the historic legislative achievements of this administration and the lack of coverage on these have received in the media. (0:14:10) How listeners can help ensure that people understand these accomplishments. (0:17:10) Harrison’s remarkable journey, from his upbringing in South Carolina to becoming chair of the DNC. (0:22:08) Why Chair Harrison considers the Democratic Party to be the party of hope. (0:23:40) How a desire to make a difference fueled Jaime’s aspiration to get into politics and his advice to young people looking to get into politics.
This is the last episode in our series celebrating National Voter Registration Month. For the past three weeks we've covered a range of topics, from threats to our elections system to how to remove barriers to voter participation, and shed light on the leaders who are helping to restore our democracy. In this episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Jefferson County, CO, Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez, who, after being elected in 2022, is now the first Latina and first openly bisexual Leader to hold the office in Jefferson County. They talk about Gonzalez's leadership in Jefferson County's recent redistricting process, her experience running for office against an election denier, and her trailblazing role inspiring marginalized groups to run for elected office. Gonzalez and Cox Bultan discuss the need for elected officials who care more about their constituents than their political parties, and Gonzalez shares her reasons for cautious optimism for 2024. Tune into this engaging conversation on local leadership in the democracy space, and be sure to join us next week as we celebrate our 200th episode with a special guest. IN THIS EPISODE (0:01:05) Introducing the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, Amanda Gonzalez. (0:02:45) Gonzalez’s history in civil engagement, and why this work is important for her. (0:04:23) What drew her to the democracy space; how she landed in this work. (0:06:22) Clerk and Recorder Gonzalez details her experience of running for office. (0:09:30) Why we need more elected officials who care more about the people than they do political party. (0:12:57) The intricacies of redrawing state lines. (0:13:38) Host Debbie Cox Bultan revisits one of this podcast’s best moments with Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell as we gear up for our 200th episode. (0:21:07) Gonzalez’s role in engaging more previously underrepresented groups to take up public office. (0:26:26) Why election work happens all year round, every single year. (0:29:47) What Amanda Gonzalez is most cautious and most optimistic about heading into 2024.
Today is the second episode of our three-week series celebrating National Voter Registration Month, covering a range of topics, from threats to our elections system to how to remove barriers to voter participation, and shedding light on the leaders who are helping to restore our democracy. In this episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who has been running elections for almost seventeen years. Despite threats of violence, and an unrelenting barrage of misinformation and disinformation, she continues to find silver linings and remains wholeheartedly committed to her work. They talk about Toulouse Oliver's path to public service, the recently passed New Mexico Voting Rights Act, and the importance of balancing transparency and security in the voting process. Tune in to hear the Secretary's insights on the current state of American democracy and how she continues to find hope and inspiration. IN THIS EPISODE (0:02:41): Where Secretary Toulouse Oliver's passion for politics originated. (0:03:45): Her journey into the County Clerk's office. (0:04:11): The demographic in the County Clerk’s office when she took up a position there. (0:05:42): How the Secretary's experience in the County Clerk’s office has helped her in her current role. (0:07:44): The “big lie” in relation to voting that many Americans have bought into. (0:09:01): Threats that Toulouse Oliver and her colleagues have been bombarded with since the 2020 election. (0:09:54): How she navigates the challenges of being a protector of a democracy under threat. (0:12:48): What the Secretary and her delegation were able to achieve at this year’s legislative session in New Mexico. (0:16:34): The key factor that Toulous Oliver believes is responsible for their very productive legislative session. (0:20:13): Why vote-by-mail became a partisan issue. (0:23:31): The importance of enhancing the public’s understanding of the lifecycle of a ballot while maintaining privacy. (0:29:00): The Secretary's number one concern heading into 2024 and her approach to dealing with it. (0:33:47): Where she draws hope and inspiration from.
