Sean Kershaw's Weblog
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July 14, 2006
Policy and a Pint: Campaign Finance 101
I wish everyone reading this could be at our Policy and a Pint events. Just when I think we might have plateaued, these events surprise me. Last night's conversation was great. (We'll post the link here for the audio when it's up.)
The combination of interesting, knowledgeable and passionate speakers (Judy Blaseg*, Jeff Blodgett and Bob Collins delivered the best conversation yet!) and a "real" audience makes all the difference. The questions from these Policy and a Pint audiences lack the partisanship and cynicism of other crowds. And the questions just seem more genuine and honest. Steve Seel gets better -- more comfortable and spontaneous -- each time he moderates. He helps to set this great political mood: he's not an "expert" and doesn't try to pretend that he's one. This opens the speakers and the audience up to a much more productive conversation. (And yes - I mean to imply that policy-know-it-alls can wreck a conversation.) The event was a real debate without breaking down to pettiness and personal attacks.
Why does this matter? It's not because campaign finance is an agenda item for the League. But finding ways to practice public policy differently, and engage new people in the process, is part of our agenda. People think that young people aren't interested in policy. Maybe the problem is as simple as making it more accessible (and interesting) for them to participate.
(Stacy Becker has a great, and more critical, blog on our MAP 150 site related to this point.)
I'll say it again: I think there is something going on in the 20 - 34 demographic that is incredibly encouraging. They are interested in politics and policy, but tired of the partisanship. They are joining the Citizens League, and participating like never before. I think they want to build things and get things done -- without the cynicism of Gen X or the Boomers.
Thanks to The Current for being such a great partner in this project. We can't wait to do the next one together. (Stay tuned for date/topic.)
* FYI: Judy Blaseg is under contract with the Citizens League for fund-raising assistance.Posted by Sean Kershaw at July 14, 2006 1:38 PM