Masters of Scale Leading across great divides: Ian Bassin, Protect Democracy Executive Director
Mar 19, 2024
Ian Bassin, the Executive Director of Protect Democracy and former White House counsel, discusses his mission to safeguard American democracy from authoritarianism. He shares insights on creating a successful nonprofit organization with a fully remote workforce across 20 states. Topics include the significance of ethical governance during transitions of power and innovative tools like VoteShield to promote fair elections. Bassin emphasizes resilience in leadership and the importance of building partnerships across political divides to support democracy.
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Binders of Ethics
- Ian Bassin, on inauguration night 2009, retrieved binders detailing White House ethics rules.
- These informal, yet crucial, documents guided presidential conduct across administrations.
Informal Governance
- White House ethics rules, passed down through informal binders, rely on respect for norms.
- This ad hoc system highlights the importance of seasoned professionals upholding democratic traditions.
Temporary Occupants
- White House staff recognize they are temporary occupants of their positions, holding public trust.
- This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for the democratic process.