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Faith and Law

The Trials and Tribulations of Living an Ethical Life on Capitol Hill

Feb 6, 2025
Join seasoned Capitol Hill veterans Arne Christenson, a former Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Michelle Altman, who served Senator James Langford, and A.T. Johnston, former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense. They delve into the ethical challenges of political life, sharing personal stories of integrity and moral dilemmas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of trust and relationships in negotiations, navigating bipartisan communications, and the role of faith in public service, while providing valuable insights for maintaining ethical standards on Capitol Hill.
48:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Capitol Hill staffers often struggle to align their personal ethics with professional duties, particularly during challenging election cycles.
  • Faith and community support play a vital role in helping staffers navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain integrity in their work.

Deep dives

Navigating Ethical Challenges on Capitol Hill

Staffers on Capitol Hill face numerous ethical challenges, particularly during election cycles when transitions occur. The panelists shared personal experiences navigating complex situations, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with their roles. For instance, one staffer discussed how they found themselves tasked with creating speeches that conflicted with their beliefs about tobacco policy due to the demands of their congressman. This highlighted the struggle many staffers face in balancing professional duties with personal ethics and the need for self-reflection in such situations.

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