An Honorable Profession

In this week's 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, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New York Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force. As one of the few state legislators in the country with a computer science background, Bores explains how artificial intelligence can change our elections, economy, and everyday lives. He also shares his thoughts on how the government should adjust to the rapid development of AI technology, including about how New York integrates AI into government services, the state economy, and the education system. In addition, the episode dives into the biggest stories from New York's most recent legislative session, and what to watch for in this year's elections in the Empire State. Tune in to learn about Bores's first campaign, why he left the world of tech startups to serve in elected office, and the support he received from his family and friends. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] Introducing AI expert and New York Assembly Member Alex Bores. • [02:07] An overview of how his most recent session: protection bills, expanding the number of judges, and more. • [04:27] Approaching the problem and potential of AI in elections. • [07:50] How States are using AI in the election process and what setting a Federal standard would mean. • [10:35] New York's approach to integrating AI and why it will never replace government workers. • [13:32] His strategy to introduce AI to those who might be reluctant. • [16:00] What has motivated Assembly Member Bores to leave startups to work in the legislature. • [19:09] His first campaign and how his family forms part of the journey of running for office. • [21:26] Advice for anyone who wants to run for office in the future. • [24:30] Insights on where the Democratic Party is in terms of embracing the new generation and the future. • [26:34] How Assembly Member Bores intends to continue to have an impact in office.

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Connecticut Representative Kate Farrar. She talks about her continued efforts to move significant legislation to expand access to quality childcare, support local journalism to strengthen democracy, improve biking and pedestrian infrastructure in her community, and support refugees and immigrants who are moving to Connecticut and engaging in the workforce. Ryan and Representative Farrar also discuss what keeps her motivated and her compelling vision for a healthy community and state. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:05] Introducing Representative Kate Farrar and her journey to State Legislature. • [02:13] Her path into public service and work to encourage more women to follow suit. • [05:06] How Kamala Harris's election might impact young and professional women with an interest in political leadership. • [06:07] Transitioning from training and advocacy to running for office. • [07:17] Launching her campaign shortly before the pandemic began. • [10:28] Representative Farrar's efforts to create a trust fund for more accessible and affordable childcare. • [11:53] The Tri-share program: a partnership between businesses, families, and the state to jointly fund childcare. • [12:38] How she foresees the impact of these efforts unfolding for children and their parents. • [15:32] Efforts that Representative Farrar has made toward biking and pedestrian infrastructure. • [19:36] Finding hope for the immigrant and refugee community. • [22:08] Building support among her colleagues for refugee funding. • [23:53] Representative Farrar's relationship with legislating around journalism and local press. • [27:51] Words of advice for women and young people who want to be a part of enacting change.

In this week's episode, producer Rachel Walsh joins co-hosts Ryan Coonery and Debbie Cox Bultan to recap the past few months of this exciting election cycle. They discuss last week's Democratic National Convention, highlighting key themes and standout moments from speakers, including many NewDEAL leaders and alumni. They also reflect on our Road to November 2024 Messaging series, which featured insights from political strategists, policy experts, and state and local elected officials. Ryan, Debbie, and Rachel analyze how to address voters' top concerns and strategies for a strong performance up and down the ballot, and they explore the growing momentum within the Democratic Party, outlining the crucial steps leaders must take to keep this energy through the fall. Tune in to hear their takeaways and better understand the road ahead. You can listen to our Road to November 2024 Messaging Series in it's entirety, here. IN THIS EPISODE: • [04:08] What it was like to be on the floor of the DNC this year. • [09:13] Freedom as a central narrative of the Democratic campaign. • [12:41] Congresswoman Annie Kuster on the framing of freedom by the Democratic Party. • [13:39] Ilana Rubel's insights on how attacks on reproductive rights impact broader freedoms. • [17:52] Jesse Ferguson on campaigning on the subject of reproductive rights. • [18:42] Passing the torch to a younger generation within the party; appealing to young voters. • [20:58] Olivia Julianna's insights on what young people are most concerned about. • [23:47] Mike Madrid on reaching Latino voters and the importance of a pro-housing agenda. • [27:06] Why it's so important to build a broad coalition from the middle out. • [29:28] Simon Rosenberg on patriotism as an antidote to MAGA's nationalism. • [32:19] Karen Finney's thoughts on acknowledging the daily anxieties of Americans. • [35:00] The role of An Honorable Profession and NewDEAL going forward in the key election year.

In this special DNC mini-sode host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with former Florida Senator Loranne Ausley, WelcomePAC Co-Founder Lauren Harper Pope, and Delaware State Senator and Congressional candidate Sarah McBride. They each reflect on the Convention, talk about their favorite speakers, and share what they're looking forward to on the last night of the DNC.

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Georgia Representative Tanya Miller. Rep. Miller is a prosecutor and civil rights attorney who has consistently worked to ensure justice and defend constitutional rights. She gives us an on-the-ground report about the fight for democracy and the energy presidential candidate Kamala Harris brings to the campaign in Georgia. Miller explains why Kamala Harris is the best pick for America and shares how Democrats can advocate for democracy. She also shares how people are fighting for access to the ballot, the impact the 2016 election had on her decision to enter politics, and how her courtroom experience benefits her political aspirations. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges of gerrymandering tactics by Republicans in Georgia and her focus on engaging with the public. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:14] Introducing today's guest, Representative Tanya Miller. • [02:03] Her perspective on the current state of the Presidential race. • [03:57] What the election administration looks like in Georgia. • [06:34] Hear about the barriers and restrictions she faced in the legislature. • [09:42] Representative Miller shares her path to public service. • [15:45] Ways the courtroom and the legislature differ from each other. • [19:18] Explore her legislative priorities and approach to politics. • [24:41] How she is addressing the disadvantages Democrats face in Georgia. • [27:03] Navigating the demands of public service with her law career. • [29:09] Why people should consider a career in public service.

In this special DNC-mini sode of An Honorable Profession, host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with four amazing NewDEAL Leaders in Chicago to talk about their experiences so far. You'll hear from Cedar Rapids, IA, City Councilmember Ashley Vanorny; Albuquerque, NM, Mayor Tim Keller; Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson; and Texas Representative Salman Bhojani as they reflect on their favorite moments so far and what they hope to hear from speakers tonight.

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.