An Honorable Profession

The AHP team is on the ground this week in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, where host Debbie Cox Bultan is catching up with NewDEAL Leaders from across the country. Today, she talks to two exceptional mayors – Shelby County, TN, Mayor Lee Harris, and New Bedford, MA, Mayor Jon Mitchell – who share their favorite parts from the opening night of the convention and what they look forward to in the coming days.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonery talks with Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. They discuss his impressive career as Pennsylvania’s youngest and first Black Lieutenant Governor, and why a lack of representation in his hometown inspired him to serve in elected office. Davis also talks about how he is using his office to fight gun violence, support early learning programs, and give his residents the economic opportunities they deserve. Lt. Gov. Davis also shares what messages do and don’t resonate with swing-state voters and how the 2024 election is fundamentally all about freedom. Tune in to hear his keys for a successful Governor - Lieutenant Governor relationship and about Pennsylvania’s pivotal role this November.    IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:00] An introduction to our guest, Lt. Gov. Austin Daivs. • [02:10] Being “in the center of the storm” and the pressure of Pennsylvania politics. • [03:30] Where the microcosm that is Pennsylvania headed in November. • [04:50] His thoughts on what messages are resonating and which aren’t. • [06:00] Lt. Gov. Davis shares his journey to public office. • [09:20] His experience being a voice at the table and its impact on shifting policies. • [10:50] Interventions, policies, and programs that he’s seen have the biggest impact on gun violence. • [12:15] Shifting the budget to give the people more opportunities. • [14:10] How his role as Lt. Gov. differs from being in the Legislature. • [15:30] What people might not know about the job of Lieutenant Governor. • [16:40] Lt. Gov. Davis recounts his experience during the vetting process of Josh Shapiro. • [18:40] What he means by saying, “In politics, power seeds nothing without a demand.” • [20:50] How he manages the “threat” from the other side.

In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters. Chair Walters first joined us on An Honorable Profession in 2021, but a lot has happened in Ohio over the last three years, including the state's high-profile abortion ballot measure passed in 2023 and Donald Trump's recent selection of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Debbie and Chair Walters discuss Ohio's transition from voting for Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016, her thoughts on JD Vance as the Vice Presidential nominee, and why unlikely coalitions are the key to success for protecting reproductive rights. They also discuss what  Walters sees and feels on the ground in Ohio, and she outlines her three-part strategy for her party heading into November. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.   IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:05] Introducing Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters • [02:37] How the public has responded to Kamala Harris entering the race. • [04:32] What is necessary for Ohio to do to make sure that Kamala Harris has a majority in congress. • [06:15] How Ohioans are responding to Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his running mate. • [08:36] Factors that have turned Ohio from a Blue State into a Red one. • [13:16] Voter strategy that is rooted in understanding that issues are the same across contexts. • [16:17] Partisanship in Ohio and the two incumbents for Supreme Court. • [22:06] Liz’s advice to Democrats in relation to the party neutral nature of the ballot. • [26:59] Details of the unconstitutional special election in the lead-up to the November election. • [29:39] Chair Liz’s journey into office through community organization. • [32:21] How State Parties influence the political ecosystem. • [34:49] Balancing priorities while working as a local elected official.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, the youngest member of the Oklahoma legislature. Instead of pursuing a high-paying job as a mechanical engineer, Alonso-Sandoval decided to run for office during his senior year of college to serve the community where he grew up. Rep. Alonso-Sandoval talks about his motivation for getting into politics, ideas for drawing more young people to elected office, his advocacy for underserved communities, his fight against draconian anti-immigrant laws, and his efforts in shaping AI policy. Tune in to learn why Representative Alonso-Sandoval believes effective policy making requires having diverse voices at the table. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing today’s guest, Oklahoma’s Representative, Arturo Alonso-Sandoval. • [01:15] What listeners can expect to hear during today’s conversation. • [02:00] He unpacks his decision and motivation to run for office in his senior year of college. • [06:20] We discuss ideas on how to get more people, like Representative Alonso-Sandoval to run for office (at all levels). • [10:00] Representative Alonso-Sandoval describes in detail his experience running for office. • [12:48] He talks about his slogan “The Future is Ours” and the heart behind it. • [13:50] What it’s like serving in office in Oklahoma. • [15:15] His thoughts on creating sustainable systems using his engineering concepts. • [17:55] How he advocates for his community and breaks down assumptions about himself. • [21:54] We look at anti-immigration measures, mobilizing communities against them, and the prospects going forward. • [28:36] He expounds on one of the projects he’s involved with: You Have a Voice. • [29:16] He sheds light on his concerns with anti-immigration laws. • [32:00] We discuss AI regulations and his work with AI in the legislature.

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, as the Speaker reflects on her “lady of firsts” track record in the legislature. In 2008, McClinton became the first woman and African American to be elected as House Democratic Caucus Chair, followed by becoming the first woman elected as the House Democratic Leader in the institution’s 244-year history. In 2023, McClinton was elected as the first woman to serve as Speaker in the nation’s oldest legislature. Debbie and Speaker McClinton talk about her responsibilities as Speaker, the political landscape in Pennsylvania, the importance of protecting voting rights, and what leading a swing state during an election year is like. They also dig into her policy priorities, including equitable education funding, reproductive rights and healthcare, and the importance of passing the CROWN Act in PA. Tune in to learn what Speaker McClinton thinks are the top issues for Pennsylvania voters and what will influence their decisions this November.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing today’s guest, Speaker Joanna McClinton. • [03:29] Joanna shares her journey from law to politics. • [07:04] What Joanna thinks goes into electing government leaders. • [09:03] The responsibilities of the Speaker of the House on the day-to-day. • [10:39] Why voting rights are so important to Joanna. • [12:43] The problem Pennsylvania is facing surrounding elections. • [15:51] Joanna’s thoughts on ‘making the governor work better’. • [18:59] The CROWN Act, what it does, and where it is in the legislative process. • [22:20] How she is working to change the education legislature in Pennsylvania. • [25:10] What reproductive care looks like in Pennsylvania since Roe v. Wade. • [29:57] How ‘choice’ is going to affect the next election in Joanna’s opinion. • [32:57] The issues that matter most to people in Joanna’s state.

In this week’s episode, Ryan Coonerty is joined by Clark County, Nevada, Commissioner Michael Naft. During a wide-ranging conversation, Commissioner Naft talks about Nevadans’ role in deciding who the next president will be as well as how some of the world’s most significant cultural and sporting events, like the Super Bowl and Formula 1 races, have come to Clark County, and what it takes to run them successfully. He tells the story of his path to public service, what you likely don’t know about Las Vegas, and how he thinks about making change at the local level. Tune in to learn about how Vegas manages the complexities of being a global destination and the keys for Democrats to win in Nevada this November. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing Clark County Nevada Commissioner Michael Naft • [02:07] A look at the political landscape in political swing state Nevada, with a focus on Clark County. • [04:47] The long-lasting impact of the pandemic on the state due to the economy’s reliance on tourism. • [07:01] Why local government is extra important in Nevada. • [10:47] The wide scope of Commissioner Naft’s role in local government and his areas of focus. • [13:35] His journey into public service which began as Director of Finance in the non-profit world. • [16:02] Working closely with the former Sheriff and current governor. • [16:43] Affordable housing efforts in Nevada with a focus on expanding non-profit organizations. • [20:59] Traffic safety challenges and successes. • [28:16] The value of entertainment and sports in Nevada.  

In this week’s episode, Ryan Coonerty sits down with Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan. They reflect on the horrific mass shooting in the representative's community of Highland Park during a 4th of July Parade in 2022 – a timely topic as he returns from a visit to the White House, as he co-chairs the Illinois House Firearm Safety Reform Working Group. Morgan shares his experience working on this crucial issue and the personal ties that ignited his passion for combating gun violence. In addition, Ryan and Representative Morgan delve into his highly debated efforts to eliminate junk fees in Illinois, his commitment to reducing healthcare costs, and his approach to building strong relationships within the legislature, as well as his experience as a Jewish leader during a surge of antisemitism across the country. Tune in to learn about his push to end daylight savings time and the obstacles to making this a reality.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan and his efforts to work on gun safety. • [02:36] The stories of gun violence that ignited his passion for taking this issue seriously. • [05:23] Prospects for reducing these kinds of incidents in US communities. • [07:43] Representative Bob’s journey to public service. • [13:17] Building and maintaining relationships with colleagues by building your understanding of them. • [14:26] Issues he has worked on and why healthcare is a focus for him. • [20:04] Why no changes have been made to daylight savings. • [22:40] Facing the rise of antisemitism as a member of the Jewish caucus. • [27:26] Predictions for the upcoming convention and the elections to follow.

Today, we’re sharing NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan’s recent appearance on the Pro Politics podcast – a political podcast that interviews people who work in and around the political industry. Host Zac McCrary and Debbie talk about growing up in a middle-class family in Sacramento, CA, her active role in her church, and her Capitol Hill internship with the late Congressman Vic Facio. They discuss her experience working for the Democratic Leadership Council for 15 years, what led her to her current role as CEO of NewDEAL, and some of the success stories of the rising leaders with whom she has worked. Debbie goes on to talk about NewDEAL’s “Freedom Agenda,” released in partnership with the New Democrat Coalition, the role that the issue of abortion will play in this year’s election, and much more. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and about Debbie’s most unusual, successful work habit. IN THIS EPISODE [01:04] Growing up in an apolitical, middle-class family in Sacramento. [04: 36] A formative DC internship for her local Congressman, Vic Fazio. [08:05] Debbie's early experiences working in CA campaign fundraising and managing. [09:42] Debbie's 15 years working at the DLC, the Democratic Leadership Council & the impact the DLC had on American politics. [17:39] Starting the center-left NewDEAL non-profit to engage and promote young Democratic leaders. [22:14] Using Pete Buttigieg as an example to talk through the role NewDEAL can play in the rise of a public figure. [25:00] How Debbie has worked to develop to a well-rounded skillset to lead a national organization. [31:00] The "Freedom Agenda" NewDEAL has helped develop. [33:15]The role Debbie sees the issue of abortion rights playing in the '24 election cycle. [35:20]Advice for the next generation of political operatives. [37:22] Debbie's most unusual, successful work habit.

This week, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett. She talks about what it’s like to serve in local government, her Congressional race in 2020, and her motivation to speak out against far-right extremism. Coming from a background in technology and media, Barrett also shares her work to ensure that all county residents have access to high-quality, affordable internet and healthcare. In addition, Debbie and Commissioner Barrett discuss Georgia’s political landscape heading into November, the role of reproductive rights in swaying voters, and Fulton County’s work to ensure a smooth election. Tune in to learn about her unique path into public service and what we can all expect from Georgia this year.   • [01:05] Introducing Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett. • [02:03] Her experience as the newly appointed Commissioner; what has surprised, challenged and gratified her. • [03:52] Navigating the challenge of being on a contentious board of seven. • [05:39] The state of reproductive rights in Fulton County. • [07:25] Why this is the case despite a Democrat majority. • [08:36] Commissioner Barrett’s work to get a rainy day fund for healthcare into her budget. • [11:51] Her efforts to supply affordable internet access for all and her background in tech. • [15:34] How Commissioner Barrett became involved in media as a radio host and began to use her platform to speak about politics. • [19:10] Running for Congress in 2020. • [22:44] A temperature check on the political landscape in Georgia at the moment. • [26:32] How reproductive rights might affect the upcoming election. • [30:44] Commissioner Barrett’s worries and hopes for the upcoming election.

This week, we bring you another episode of our Road to November 2024 election series, as co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty sit down with Jesse Ferguson. Jesse is a leading Democratic strategist and consultant. With over two decades of experience, he has led national campaigns on issues ranging from health care to clean energy. Today, Jesse discusses recommended strategies for effectively engaging with persuadable voters across a range of topics. He talks with Debbie and Ryan about former president Trump’s legal issues and specific messaging around the economy, public safety, and abortion, as well as how to appeal to young and rural voters. Jesse also gives us practical and inspiring advice – offering tangible do’s and don’ts for Democratic candidates and supporters. Tune in to gain valuable insights on connecting with voters and learn about the critical issues that will define November’s election.   • [01:04] Introducing today’s guest, leading Democratic strategist, Jesse Ferguson. • [01:49] Jesse’s insights on persuadable voters throughout the country. • [05:38] Trump’s felony charges and convictions,and what it means for his candidacy. • [07:47] The challenge of reaching young, persuadable voters, and what resonates with them. • [11:55] How Democrats can improve their messaging about the economy. • [15:39] Strategies for running against someone who lies and makes up the facts. • [17:44] The impact of third-party candidates in this election. • [20:05] Rural voters: how Democrats can appeal to them. • [24:20] How Democrats should be talking about public safety. • [25:50] Addressing the issue of abortion in this election. • [28:15] Reforming the immigration system and meeting voters where they are. • [29:50] Why the issue of democracy is not too big a topic for voters to understand. • [33:08] What drew Jesse to this field and how he stays motivated.