The West Wing Weekly 4.03: College Kids (with Aimee Mann and Fmr. Secretary of Education John King, Jr.)
Oct 25, 2017
Join Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King, Jr., a champion for college affordability, as he navigates the complexities of tuition policies and shares insights on higher education challenges. Aimee Mann, the brilliant singer-songwriter, reflects on her memorable cameo and the creative process behind her performance of a James Taylor cover. Together, they delve into the real-world implications of Bartlett's education-focused messages and explore how the show ignited their political passions.
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Education As Prevention, Not Retribution
- President Bartlett's off-the-cuff speech reframes violence by asking how education can prevent radicalization rather than just punish perpetrators.
- The moment links empathy and policy, arguing prevention through schooling is a bold political stance.
Design Aid To Reach Low-Income Students
- Tax credits and direct aid (Pell, AOTC) can ease costs but designs matter for equity and effectiveness.
- King implies policymakers must choose targeted aid over regressive deductions to help low-income students.
Plan Funding Before Public Pitch
- King warns that policy proposals must include payment plans vetted with OMB before pitching them.
- He recommends coordinating budget offsets early to make initiatives credible and feasible.
