An Honorable Profession

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Williamsport, PA, Mayor Derek Slaughter. Mayor Slaughter reflects on  his unexpected journey from high school teacher and basketball coach to public servant. He discusses his focus on revitalizing his city, highlights efforts to boost economic development, enhance public safety, and invest in youth programming. He also shares his insights on navigating the challenges of good governance during a highly polarized time in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of connecting with constituents on shared concerns and showcasing tangible results. A testament to the power of local leadership, this conversation reveals how the Mayor of Williamsport is making a lasting impact.   IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:54] Williamsport’s growth and the impact of hosting the Little League World Series. • [04:16] Mayor Slaughter’s unexpected journey from teacher and coach to city leadership. • [06:42] Surprising challenges of becoming mayor without a political background. • [08:09] Navigating the complexities of hosting a national political campaign in Williamsport. • [09:33] Lessons from the 2024 elections and the value of meeting voters where they are. • [11:58] Leveraging federal funds and innovative ideas to revitalize Williamsport’s economy • [14:50] A mayor’s role in facilitating and advocating for economic development projects. • [16:41] The importance of investing in youth programs, including mentorship opportunities. • [19:35] Mayor Slaughter’s future in public service and the possibility of pursuing higher office.

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson. Growing up in one of the country’s most underserved zip codes, Nicholson is using her experiences to improve  the communities she holds dear. She begins the conversation explaining how she found her way to elected office after being upset by the lack of resources available to her students as a fourth grade teacher. From there, she explains how to organize and advocate successfully at the local level, offering her tested methods for bridging divides across her state as she “bakes her way” to bipartisan collaboration. We also look at the future of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin and what they can do to improve the lives of everyday Wisconsinites, from focusing on housing to relationship building with unlikely allies.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson describes her journey into public office. • [04:24] How her childhood experiences and representing her constituency informs her policy. • [06:12] Advice for teachers on how to approach governments to affect change. • [07:53] Past issues Marcelia was concerned with, how she solved them, and what she’s focused on now. • [10:34] How Milwaukee and Marcelia’s role fits into broader Wisconsin politics. • [12:24] Marcelia’s protocol for bridging racial, cultural, political, and geographical divides. • [14:05] Unpacking the current state of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. • [16:19] The policies that Marcelia would like to see the Dems pushing for her constituents. • [18:07] Her advice for other public office leaders for keeping groups and policies cohesive. • [20:20] How she spends her time, and what’s next for her in policy and politics.

Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2024 conversation focused on the Abundance Movement. In this episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability through innovative business practices. The Inclusive Abundance Initiative aims to create inclusive economic systems that foster abundance for all, pushing back against a scarcity mindset with policies that grow economic opportunity and build thriving communities for everyone. Debbie and Derek talk about his definition of abundance that “creates opportunities to overcome limitations in the status quo,” they unpack how a focus on abundance work translates into effective policies, and explore the relationship between abundance and democracy. They discuss why streamlining government functions can restore faith in institutions and how the abundance framework can create better outcomes for all Americans. Tune in to learn about ideas for reshaping public policy, building inclusive growth, and unlocking new possibilities for all. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:40] Background and mission of The Inclusive Abundance Initiative. [03:58] He explains the concept of abundance in the context of public policy. [06:16] Comparing the impacts of an abundance versus a scarcity mindset on policy. [08:30] Examples of how the system is not achieving its inclusive growth goals. [10:32] Why Derek is optimistic about The Inclusive Abundance Initiative’s mission. [12:38] The challenges faced on the Federal level regarding affordable housing. [15:54] Why the Presidential Campaign gives him hope for solving America’s problems. [20:24] Hear how the abundance framework will drive bipartisan agreements. [24:54] Benefits of applying the abundance framework to a democracy. [28:52] Find out how and why he started The Inclusive Abundance Initiative. [32:12] Derek’s outlook for the future of the abundance framework in government.

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Lanae Erickson, Third Way’s Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics. Her team released a poll at this week’s NewDEAL conference -- one of the first surveys after the election. Lanae shares some key takeaways, including issues that mattered most to voters – the economy, immigration, and safety – and why voters trusted president-elect Donald Trump more while finding the Democratic party  to be more extreme. They also discuss what lessons can be learned from U.S. House and Senate candidates who outperformed the top of the ticket, as well as the impact of identity politics and the path back to the majority for Democrats. Tune in to learn more from this insightful conversation!   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:23] Lanae shares key takeaways from Third Way’s post-election poll and review. • [04:49] Why voters trusted Trump over Harris on almost every issue. • [08:46] Pitfalls from the Harris campaign and how Democrats can regain voters’ trust. • [13:35] Why Democrats need to rebrand holistically and quickly (and how they can do it). • [19:55] The dangers and possibilities of how information is consumed in this digital age. • [21:12] Why Democrats need to relearn the needs and wants of young voters. • [23:18] Semantics: Everything that needs to change about how the Dems talk to voters. • [27:09] Why Democrats are fighting an uphill battle regarding voter demographics. • [29:55] The challenges of embracing different perspectives, and the rewards of an open mind. • [34:15] Humility, listening and learning, curiosity, mentorship, and growing circles of influence.

Political analyst Ruy Teixeira discusses the decline of support for the Democratic Party among working-class voters. He highlights critical issues like affordability, immigration, and identity politics that fueled this shift. Teixeira shares insights into the varied perceptions of Donald Trump and the implications of the recent election results. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt centrist strategies and a robust economic agenda to reconnect with disenchanted voters. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at the evolving political landscape.

The An Honorable Profession team planned for a Harris-Walz victory, a contested election, and a narrow Trump victory, but we did not plan on the results from Tuesday’s election. In this week’s episode, co-host Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty sit down for a post-election conversation, as they discuss the questions we need to ask, including where the party needs to go, where our leaders need to go, and how our leaders at the state and local level will need to be at the front lines of democracy,defending vulnerable communities. We also talk about NewDEALers who won their elections Tuesday night, including two Governors-elect, new U.S. Senate and House members, and new state and city officials across the county. Tune in to hear why – despite this week’s disappointments – Ryan and Debbie still think politics can be an honorable profession.

With one day until Election Day, we’re bringing you one final bonus episode. This is a very special bonus episode because it features two great conversations with NewDEAL Leaders Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine! Leader Driskell gives us a look at Florida's high profile senate race, key ballot measures on abortion rights and legal cannabis use, and why Trump’s divisive rhetoric about Puerto Rico could cost him key votes in his home state. She also talks about recent attacks on voting rights in Florida, including aggressive redistricting efforts, and how she’s preparing for Election Day with one week to go.  Treasurer Zach Conine gives listeners a first-hand look at voter turnout and energy in one the country’s most closely watched swing states. He also talks about the importance of winning Nevada’s hundreds of thousands of Independent and non-affiliated voters and why they could make or break a Harris-Walz win.  If you’re a subscriber to our YouTube Channel, which is just @NewDEALLeadersOrg, you got to hear these conversations early! So let this be your reminder that you can watch all of our episodes by subscribing to our channel, where you can also find some other great content on there.

In this week’s episode, the NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with former Manchester, NH, Mayor and Democratic nominee for Governor Joyce Craig. Joyce talks about what it has been like on the campaign trail and the issues that matter most to voters, including affordable housing and reproductive freedom. She also reflects on her accomplishments as Mayor, her self-care routine while campaigning, and what initially prompted her to get involved in public service. Joyce shares what makes her campaign unique in New Hampshire, the possibility of flipping seats in the state legislature, and the importance of voting. Tune in to hear Joyce’s message for voters as she enters the home stretch of the campaign. IN THIS EPISODE: • [00:10] Welcome to An Honorable Profession, the podcast. • [00:30] Details about The New Deal organization. • [01:00] An introduction to our guest, Joyce Craig, and what to expect from this episode. • [02:10] How Joyce feels about her close race for Governor. • [03:00] She shares her thoughts on what is currently on voters’ minds. • [04:20] What she’d like to see in the Governor’s office stemming from her days as Mayor. • [06:00] The issues of housing and reproductive freedom. • [08:00] Why she believes that reproductive freedom should be between a woman and her doctor (and nothing to do with a politician). • [08:30] She speaks to people’s enthusiasm across the different campaigns. • [09:50] The importance of seeing and getting to meet candidates. • [11:00] How Joyce takes care of herself throughout the campaign. • [12:50] She unpacks what initially prompted her to get involved in public service. • [13:55] A driving factor: seeking quality public education for New Hampshire. • [16:00] Her thoughts on the possibility of putting in a legislative chamber in New Hampshire. • [17:30] Post-election: What needs to happen in New Hampshire to repair politics and start the process of rebuilding. • [19:20] Joyce’s closing statement to voters in New Hampshire.

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we look closely at swing states in the presidential race, as well as states with key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. Today, we head to Georgia to talk with State Senator Elena Parent. Senator Parent talks about the enthusiasm growing in for the Harris-Walz ticket and the record turnout in early voting despite the state's strict voting laws. She also focuses on freedom as a top issue on voters' minds this year, pointing to the tragic deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller as painful reminders of what Republicans have done to reproductive rights and healthcare in the state. Senator Parent gives us an authentic look at the issues motivating voters in her swing state.

In today's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Secretary of State Tobias Read. Read, who joined NewDEAL as a state representative in 2011, has become a national leader on championing solutions to make college, retirement, and everyday life more affordable. He talks about his decision to run for Secretary of State with the office’s focus on running elections and holding the state government accountable. The conversation also delves into what's at stake in this year's elections, touching on his experience running against an election denier, Oregon's ballot initiative on ranked-choice voting, and the pivotal race in the 5th Congressional District, featuring fellow NewDEALer Janelle Bynum. In addition, Read shares his strategies for energizing voters about down-ballot races and highlights Oregon's leadership role as the first state in the country to move to mail-in elections. Tune in to learn what inspires State Treasurer Read to serve his state. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read: An introduction to his career focus. • [02:35] His experience running for Secretary of State in Oregon and what he hopes to bring to the role. • [05:03] What he is focused on as a candidate running against an election denier. • [09:15] How Oregon is ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered. • [13:01] The financial and performance auditing power of Oregon State’s legislature. • [14:53] Restoring people’s faith in government by prioritizing transparency and agility. • [18:26] State Treasurer Read’s motivation to succeed at democratic leadership in Oregon. • [19:33] His action plan should he be elected into the role of Secretary and insights into the Albina race. • [22:00] Why it is too early to determine any information from the ongoing election. • [23:29] Treasurer Read’s thoughts on the implementation of rank-choice voting in Oregon. • [26:59] His original motivations to enter public service and how he has built his experience.