Reimagining the US political system with Sharon McMahon
Jan 28, 2025
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Sharon McMahon, an author, podcaster, and civics teacher known for her engaging approach to improving democracy, joins the discussion with vibrant insights. She explores the pitfalls of party loyalty and proposes innovative voting reforms like approval voting. The conversation also covers enhancing online dialogues and effective civic engagement. With a sprinkle of humor, Sharon shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to embrace their impact, all while leading her dedicated community of 'Governerds'.
Sharon McMahon emphasizes the importance of individual curiosity and community engagement in enhancing democratic processes through informed discussions and education.
She advocates for electoral reforms like a national primary day and campaign finance reform to create a more equitable political system and enhance representation.
Deep dives
The Power of Knowledge in Democracy
An individual’s curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge can significantly impact democracy. The conversation highlights how Sharon McMahon utilized her early experiences, such as delivering newspapers and engaging with political content, to build a strong foundational understanding of government. Her journey reflects how even those without formal training can contribute positively to political discussions and education. By addressing misconceptions and sharing insights, she empowers others to become more informed citizens.
Community Empowerment through Education
McMahon emphasizes the role of social media in fostering a community dedicated to civic engagement. Initially beginning her educational efforts on Instagram during the height of the pandemic, she quickly developed a following that was eager to learn about government processes. This community, referred to as 'the governors,' showcases the potential of social media not just for entertainment but as a platform for meaningful discourse and education. The collective effort to improve democracy relies on each individual’s willingness to stay informed and share knowledge.
Innovative Reforms for a Thriving Democracy
Proposals for electoral reform are essential to improve the effectiveness of the democratic process. McMahon suggests practical solutions such as implementing a national primary day to ensure equal representation across states and reducing the lengthy election cycle. She argues for campaign finance reform to curb the influence of wealthy donors and advocates for public funding of elections. These changes aim to create a more equitable system where all voices are valued, fostering a healthier political environment.
Finding Purpose in Small Actions
The conversation touches on the theme of finding significance in humble endeavors. McMahon's book, 'The Small and Mighty,' illustrates that impact can come from everyday actions rather than grand gestures or titles. She shares stories of individuals who, despite facing immense challenges, made meaningful contributions to society simply by doing what needed to be done. This highlights a universal truth: every person has the potential to matter and enact change, regardless of their circumstances.
Sharon McMahon is a government expert, but that doesn’t mean she wants to run for office. As an author, podcaster and civics teacher, Sharon finds that her time is best spent kindly correcting people on the internet and leading her millions of Instagram followers — who call themselves the Governerds — in conversations about how to improve democracy. She joins Adam live at the Authors@Wharton series for an energetic discussion about American democracy, from the pitfalls of party loyalty to the benefits of changing voting systems. The two also chat about how to have better conversations online, reflect on one of Sharon’s favorite characters from her bestselling book The Small and Mighty and share a mantra to help you stay centered in uncertain times.
Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts