An Honorable Profession

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 Karen Finney. Karen is a CNN political commentator, consultant, and thought leader, renowned for her dynamic career that intersects politics, media, and cultural change. Her, Debbie, and Ryan discuss this year’s presidential campaign, America’s fractured media landscape, the role that reproductive rights will play in key races across the country, and her family’s complicated history in the Civil War. They also talk about how Leaders can help voters discern fact from opinion, effective communication strategies for campaigns, and the significance of focus groups over polling in understanding voter sentiments. Tune in to hear more about this engaging conversation and the intersection of politics, media, and communication in the 2024 elections.    • [01:03] An outline of today’s episode and background about Karen. • [02:35] Ways that Democrats can be successful in the upcoming elections. • [05:55] The role of reproductive rights in the election discourse. • [09:01] How reproductive rights intersect with other vital issues. • [10:46] Communicating the positives and negatives in campaign strategies. • [14:42] What to expect from media coverage on the election going forward. • [17:28] Important perspective on the value of polls and why Karen values focus groups. • [20:44] Advice for leaders to effectively engage with their voters. • [24:18] How political coverage has changed within the media landscape. • [29:04] Karen’s family’s history with the Civil War and how it has impacted her. • [33:20] Confronting hard truths to help build a better country.

Today, we’re sharing NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan’s recent appearance on the Moderate Party Podcast – a political podcast focusing on the perspective of moderates, centrists, and Independents. Host Hillari Lombard and Debbie talk about the Biden-Harris Administration’s impressive track record, what it means to be a moderate, why the topic of community is important to the Democratic party, and the media's coverage of this year's election. In addition, they explore specific policy debates facing NewDEALers and their colleagues in state and local government across the county. Tune in to hear about how the NewDEAL is encouraging elected officials at every level to take an active role in defending democracy.   [06:42] President Biden’s impressive record. [11:30] Who is the public giving credit to? And Democrats need to help connect the dots.   [13:23] How we should approach the question of the President’s age.  [17:40] The Republican party nominee is a danger for this country.  [19:19] The media's inability to cover stories from both sides of the aisle.  [23:13] What it means to be a moderate & NewDEAL’s Freedom Agenda.  [28:10] Why the value of community is important for the Democratic Party. [35:22] NewDEAL’s Democracy Playbook with 40 ideas that state and local leaders can implement heading into the 2024 election.  [41:51] Exciting things that are happening at the state and local level.

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 Simon Rosenberg, a political commentator and strategist, who famously, and correctly, rejected the prediction of a red wave in 2022. He has now founded the widely read and highly informative Hopium Chronicles newsletter, where he advises readers to worry less and do more. He, Debbie, and Ryan discuss last week’s State of the Union Address, what’s at stake in the November elections, and why, as a Democrat, he would “rather be us than them.” They talk about ways to find common ground and bridge divides with voters through effective and factual messaging and discuss the disconnect between what the Biden-Harris administration has actually accomplished and what the public is aware of. Simon also tells us why Democrats should remain optimistic in the face of daunting polls and why political debates are representative of a healthy Democracy. Tune in to hear Simon’s six reasons why Americans should not vote for Trump this November.   • [01:04] This episode’s content and guest, Simon Rosenberg. • [02:17] Simon unpacks his statement, ‘The president is clearly fighting for us; now we need to fight for him.’ • [04:02] His strategy of finding common ground in a swing state and what it might look like to build an expansive coalition. • [09:25] The shift in positioning that has occurred where the Democratic Party has come to represent continuity. • [13:56] Six truths about Trump that have the power to destabilize his position. • [16:39] What we can learn from recent Republican polling and what it means for the upcoming election. • [20:54] An appropriate response to information asymmetry. • [25:10] Why debates are a sign of a healthy party. • [32:08] Simon’s substack community, Hopium, and how to get involved. • [35:00] A solution to the loudness problem faced by Democrats today. • [38:55] The four freedoms that underpin Simon’s philosophy.

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Maine Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier. They talk about how Cloutier’s experiences caring for her mother influenced her to pass paid family leave in the Pine Tree State, the issue of housing affordability in her community, and how she balances her day job with family life and her role in public office. She also reflects on the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, how she’s found solace and support by sharing her experiences with fellow electeds, and why enacting common sense gun safety laws must start at the community level. Tune in to also hear how working with college students inspires Representative Cloutier to champion future-focused policy.   [01:05] Welcome to Maine Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier.  [01:38] An overview of what is happening in Maine at the moment.  [03:21] Maine’s journey to becoming a democratic state.  [05:05] National influence in Maine, especially with reference to border security. [09:33] Affordability challenges and how they are being addressed for families.  [13:05] Efforts to create paid family leave and Representative Cloutier’s role in it. [18:30] Her journey of growing up in Lewiston, studying in Boston, and working in New York before returning to her home town. [23:09] The challenge of balancing work and family life. [29:19] Experiencing a mass shooting in Maine and how the state has responded to it. [38:18] Where Representative Cloutier finds hope: in the future generation.  

This week’s episode kicks off our Road to November 2024 election series. In this regular series, co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty will be joined by some of the nation’s top political minds to discuss key issues and trends impacting this year’s elections. For today’s conversation, Ryan and Debbie speak with Sam Youngman, a Los Angeles-based political consultant, former campaign reporter, White House correspondent, and co-writer for Today’s Big Stuff – a political newsletter he authors with Adam Parkhomenkothat that focuses on cutting through the noise during these crazy times. They talk about the current state of American politics, why Democrats need to be as relentless as the opposition, and Sam’s hopes for the future. They also cover the current and future state of political media coverage, the key problem with third-party candidates, and how Gen Z voters will impact the upcoming election. Tune in to this engaging conversation and learn more about why Sam believes his newsletter can “save America by swearing.” [01:04] An introduction to Sam Youngman and the newsletter he co-writes with Adam Parkhomenko, “Today’s Big Stuff.” [05:39] Why Sam felt he needed to return to politics after the election of Donald Trump. [08:30] His thoughts on breaking through the noise and remaining hopeful in the face of political challenges. [11:38] The NY-03 special election, why it’s making Sam optimistic, and what it shows us about the power of voting. [13:13] Politics in Sam’s home state of Kentucky and his respect for Governor Andy Beshear. [15:53] Unpacking how we should interpret polling in the lead up to election day. [19:20] The current state of media and Sam’s thoughts on the future of political coverage. [23:52] How third-party candidates can dangerously influence elections and why they’ll only serve to re-elect Trump in 2024. [26:13] Evaluating young people’s relationships with politics and Sam’s faith in Gen Z. [29:11] How Democrats need to be connecting with angry and disaffected groups.  [32:04] Sam’s reluctance to make predictions and what he hopes we’ll be talking about a year from now.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Mayor Johnson was drawn to public service at a very young age while participating in a YMCA pre-college and service program for low-income youth in Milwaukee public schools. Now, he’s making history as the city’s first elected Black mayor, bringing his diverse perspective and his experiences as a lifelong Milwaukeean to his decision-making and leadership. Since taking office in 2021, Mayor Johnson has prioritized public safety and championed meaningful opportunities for the youth in his community. Debbie and Mayor Johnson discuss how federal investments from the Biden-Harris administration during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed him to invest in housing and workforce development initiatives, and how he has prioritized attracting and retaining talent. Tune in to learn about Johnson’s thoughts on how to best influence swing voters in Wisconsin and his vision for Milwaukee’s future.   [01:03] Introducing Mayor Cavalier Johnson. [02:26] His early interest in politics in elementary school, falling in love with service, and observing the events of 9/11.  [05:46] Mayor Johnson’s overarching goal of building a safer city. [07:02] Mentorship and youth service organizations in Milwaukee. [09:25] Declaring reckless driving as a public health emergency in the city of Milwaukee. [12:03] How Mayor Johnson has been able to leverage federal funding from the Biden-Harris administration to uplift his community.  [15:24] What is necessary for Democrats to be successful in Wisconsin.  [18:12] Ideas for how young people in Milwaukee and Wisconsin can hear stories of Democratic success. [20:12] How Mayor Johnson’s lived experience influences his leadership. [24:10] His choice to spend a lot of time in schools across Milwaukee. [27:10] A vision for Milwaukee’s next 178 years after celebrating its 178th birthday.  

In today’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis. They discuss the challenges of serving in a superminority, the senator’s ability to pass core legislation in criminal justice by working across the aisle, and how he plans on helping low-income families with the earned tax income credit. Duplessis also talks about his goals to transition Louisiana off of hazardous fossil fuels and onto renewable energy, as well as how the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Katrina opened his eyes to the myriad climate and justice issues facing his community. In addition, he unpacks Louisiana’s recent battle over congressional maps, why he decided to serve on the new governor’s transition team despite ideological differences, and how he stumbled into a career in politics. And you'll also want to tune in for Senator Duplessis’s tips for experiencing authentic New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.  (01:59) Senator Duplessis gives an update on Louisiana’s political landscape and its new governor, Jeff Landry. (03:52) How the Senator is working with Governor Landry to create strategies for uplifting the New Orleans community and why his wife insisted that he had to do it. (06:41) Unpacking the dynamic between New Orleans and Louisiana, and why it requires Duplessis to work across the aisle. (10:00) How Hurricane Katrina spurred Senator Duplessis’s passion for the environment and justice, and how this informs his work. (12:03) Why Louisiana is well positioned to be a leader in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind projects. (13:53) The redrawing of congressional lines in the Pelican state and why it’s good news for voting rights advocates. (17:54) Background on Senator Duplessis’ career and how his passion for service got him involved in politics. (21:34) The challenges Senator Duplessis has faced serving in the legislature part time and as a new father – and why it’s so rewarding. (24:17) How Democrats in the Louisiana superminority build the coalitions they need to get solutions-focused policies passed, including Senator Duplessis’s groundbreaking criminal justice reform measures. (29:53) Senator Duplessis shares his tips on how to explore New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street!

In this episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty gets an update on the latest debates in Washington from Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. They discuss  her approach to fighting for working families and her focus on family-orientated policies that help drive economic growth, as well as  her commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health crises in communities across the nation. Looking ahead to November, Kuster says it's crucial for Americans to hear how Democrats are fighting to protect fundamental freedoms and expand opportunities, referencing the Freedom Agenda released by the New Dems and NewDEAL as a guide for the Party's platform. She reflects on last month’s primary elections in New Hampshire, where President Biden won the Democratic nomination by way of a grassroots write-in campaign, and why former president Donald Trump is a threat to American institutions. Finally, tune in to hear Representative Kuster recount her harrowing experiences on January 6th, 2021, and how that experience continues to inform her approach to public service.   In this episode:   (02:22) Her role in moving the bipartisan American Families and Workers Act through Congress. (04:32) This rare act of a bipartisan agreement in the House and why it is a good omen for future success across the aisle. (05:32) Aiding Ukraine’s fight for democracy and resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. (06:18) Background about the New Democrat Coalition and what it aims to achieve. (07:21) Details about the New Democrat Coalition’s partnership with NewDEAL to launch the Freedom Agenda in the face of GOP-led chaos. (10:56) Representative Kuster shares her experience of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. (12:21) Hear her perspective on the current state of American democracy and why former President Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy. (15:03) Why there is no such thing as a bystander in a democracy. (16:19) Kuster unpacks the recent New Hampshire election and how Biden claimed victory through a write-in campaign. (20:12) Building better mental health support and tackling substance abuse. (23:32) Invaluable advice for those seeking a career in public service.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan partners with State Democracy Action Fund (SDAF) interim Executive Director Kate Stoner to convene four NewDEALers who are in state legislative leadership roles in red, blue, and purple states for a conversation about their priorities for 2024. Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, and Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell reflect on opportunities to make progress on issues like housing, gun violence, and education, and the outlook on reproductive rights and voting access while analyzing the political landscape in their states ahead of the 2024 election. They discuss whether bipartisan agreement is possible this year and concerns for Democrats operating in the minority.  Tune in for a comprehensive look at what we can expect to take center stage in state legislatures in the coming months. IN THIS EPISODE (01:07) Introducing today’s episode with Kate Stoner, Senator Bob Duff, Speaker Joanna McClinton, Senator Raumesh Akbari, and Representative Fentrice Driskell.  (02:58) Senator Duff’s focus on affordable housing, healthcare, and consumer protection in Connecticut.  (05:47) Representative Driskell’s agenda in Florida, including the Freedom to Be agenda and Medicaid expansion. (09:18) Good news for Florida Democrats: Representative Tom Keen’s election.  (10:28) Why Senator Akbari and Tennessee Democrats are thinking more about defense than offense and what that means.  (15:50) Speaker McClinton’s priorities around education and jobs for Pennsylvanians. (19:26) State legislatures’ responsibility to protect Americans by enacting common sense gun control measures.  (23:26) How the upcoming election is influencing activity in each state. (25:04) How Representative Driskell is working across the aisle to serve Floridians.  (27:01) Dispelling election conspiracy theories and enacting automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania. (27:56) Senator Duff outlines the stakes of this year’s election in safeguarding democracy. (30:09) Issues Senator Akbari expects to fight against in the superminority in Tennessee. (35:08) Debbie’s perspective on making government work as the way to fix democracy.  (35:50) How federal funding is making government work in communities across the country, from lowering the cost of childcare to spurring new climate solutions. 

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams. They talk about Williams' career path as a community leader, social justice advocate, and political organizer, and her commitment to improving life in her community by creating economic opportunities, championing housing, and protecting seniors. They discuss what people should know about how decisions are made at the local level and the challenges she seeks to address in 2024, including the unexpected issues that come up for local leaders, like fallen trees in her district. Williams also highlights the importance of transparency and accessibility in government, how more diverse leadership can result in better policies, and what inspired her to run for office. Tune in for a conversation about the profound impact of local leadership on our day-to-day lives.  (01:52) An idea of what things are like on the ground in Queens right now. (03:29) Why elected officials should be responsive, transparent, and accessible. (04:40) How New York City is governed and how councilmembers factor into decision-making. (06:43) How Councilmember Williams has built a coalition to move an agenda through such a large council body. (08:47) How having a more diverse council leads to different policies and new conversations. (11:14) Working within the system to change it: advice for those who believe that running for office means they have to compromise on their values. (14:07) How a Donna Brazile speech inspired Williams to run for office. (16:48) All politics is local: lessons she has learned since becoming a city councilmember. (21:29) Trees, equity, and other policy goals she hopes to achieve in 2024. (25:18) How Councilmember Williams strives to understand her political power and become a more impactful leader. (28:01) Her recent appointment to the budget committee. (31:11) Williams’s recommendations for where to eat and explore in Queens.