By Jordan Stivers, on Tue May 22, 2012 at 8:30 AM ET
Last month, we introduced a new feature at The Recovering Politician: the Gen Y “He Said; She Said” debates.
“He” is Zac Byer, a longtime staff contributor at the RP, an outspoken Republican, and currently works for one of the leading minds behind GOP national strategy, Dr. Frank Luntz. “She” is Jordan Stivers, a passionate Democrat who currently serves on the communications committee of the newly formed Young Democrats of America Faith and Values Initiative. As you might be able from the picture at left, “He” and “She” are dating. Or talking to each other. Or in a relationship. Or whatever Gen Y calls these types of relationships.
Anyway, enjoy their debate about Hope and Change:
JORDAN: This week, I read an article by the senior editor of The Atlantic in which he explains why he thinks Obama is losing, though the election is six months away. He says it’s not because voters don’t like Obama, or don’t think he is qualified, but because he has “simply failed to bring the change he promised.” I’ve heard this argument quite a few times, mostly from Republicans, who, as soon as President Obama was elected made it their main objective to create as many obstacles to bipartisan success as possible. My Senator, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, is one of these. He openly stated that he planned to do everything in his power to make President Obama a one-term President. What a winning attitude.
I was an enthusiastic supporter of President Obama in 2008 in part because of the bipartisan environment he wanted to create, but also because I trusted his instinct to lead us in a direction that would make the United States more of a place of opportunity for young people like me, and for the many people that were used to finding themselves without any power in the political process. I believe that in that second objective, he has delivered the change he promised. Through health care reform, the JOBS Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and now his open support of marriage equality, he has brought more positive change to this country than President Bush did in his two terms.
Of course I wish that Congress could actually function and compromise the way the founders intended, but why their dysfunction is being laid entirely on President Obama’s shoulders I don’t understand. The people who should be held responsible are Speaker John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and Harry Reid. The politicians and pundits who are complaining that not enough change has happened are the same people who were actively trying to prevent change from happening, for purely political reasons. Any sucess for Obama meant a loss for them. What they did not consider is what would be a success for Americans as a whole. Instead of mocking the words “hope” and “change,” Republicans should realize that those words mean a lot to people. The only way things can change for the better and people who are downtrodden by the economy can have hope again, is for Republicans and Democrats to work together.
ZAC: Working in language and message consulting, I agree that words “mean a lot to people.” And clearly, in 2008, “hope” and “change” carried a particular significance surpassing any presidential campaign mantra. But here’s the issue — words can only take us so far. There must be actions to bolster the message, otherwise the latter only amounts to hollow rhetoric.
The JOBS Act was a rare symbol of bipartisan cooperation…but it started as a House Republican priority that Senate Democrats and the President realized they couldn’t say no to without falling on the sword.
To say Obama has delivered the change he promised through his health care reform is tantamount to a baseball owner saying the new pitcher he signed has changed the franchise before he has even thrown his first pitch. Nancy Pelosi herself said it’ll be a matter of time before anyone truly understands the consequences of the legislation, and I don’t expect the Supreme Court to go quietly into the night.
And I applaud Obama for finally putting principle before politics and admitting that he supports same-sex marriage. An evolutions? Good grief! If I was a Democrat who cared strongly about that issue, I’d be downright angry that the only reason why Obama made his declaration of support two weeks ago was because Biden did what he’s been doing for over thirty years. Real courage would have been an announcement in support of same-sex marriage in 2008, no matter the electoral consequences. Be that as it may, I don’t expect his announcement to change much at all, as this will remain a states’ issue (as even Obama desires it to be).
Ultimately, we head into November 2012 staring down $5 trillion more in debt, unemployment stuck above 8%, and a failed $800 billion stimulus.
I’ll be the first to admit that the cooperation from the congressional Republicans has been minimal at best. But, when you look back at Obama’s first two years in office, what’s your assessment? He worked with Democrat majorities in both the House and the Senate, and rode a wave of public support into the White House. Are you truly satisfied with how he and his counterparts prioritized — Cash for Clunkers, health care, and Solyndra instead of legislation aimed at relieving the burdens on small business owners and job creators, or incentivizing businesses to keep jobs in America, or tackling entitlement reform?
20 years as a senior-level executive with three Fortune 500 companies, a high-level governmental official, a political player rubbing elbows with governors, members of congress and even private visits with the President.
However, after 20 years of climbing the corporate ladder, extensive travel and a cell phone permanently in my ear, I started to feel that while I had achieved some level of “success,” I was lacking “significance.”
While playing corporate musical chairs, the music suddenly stopped one Friday afternoon and I found myself without a chair in that ivory tower I had grown so comfortable in occupying. But it was a 300 year old story that would not only be redemptive; it would provide the purpose I had been seeking and the means to help others in similar situations find their purpose.
Ironically, I had delivered thousands of speeches over the years about the power of purpose. Included in those speeches was a simple yet powerful story of a bystander observing two people laying bricks. The first person when asked what he was doing responded, “I’m laying bricks.” The second responded, “I’m building a cathedral.” Naturally, the “cathedral builder” had resonated more with me than the “bricklayer,” but after 20 years of playing the corporate game, pushing my way to the front of the room, I was starting to feel more like that “bricklayer.” And unfortunately, I wasn’t alone.
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Numerousstudies report that less than halfof employees are actually satisfied with their jobs and feel a sense of purpose. Other surveys suggest that a high number of employees would leave their companies today if the economy were better. And with one in ten Americans currently unemployed, six of those ten unemployed say the next job they get will most likely not provide purpose; instead, they expect to have to settle for something less.
A women and workplace survey from “More Magazine” revealed that 43% of the women surveyed say they are less ambitious now than they were a decade ago. And only a quarter of the 500 women ages 35 to 60 say they’re working toward their next promotion. Three out of the four of women in the survey, 73%, say they would not apply for their boss’ job, reporting the stress, office politics and lack of purpose make the leap simply not worth it. In fact, two of three women said they would accept considerably less money for more free time and more flexibility. The bottom line is, there’s never been a time when Americans, male and female, young and old, public and private sector, need a sense of purpose.
Read the rest of… Greg Coker: The Recovering Bricklayer
By John Y. Brown III, on Mon May 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM ET
My night as an outlaw.
Some people aren’t good at being bad….but the important thing is to not focus so much on the mischievous act itself as much as on how loved ones should react–proportionately and appropriately.
I’m convinced that one of life’s most difficult to learn lessons is this timeless truth.
30 years ago while a freshman at Transy, I had a friend with two tickets for us to go to the Rolling Stones concert at Rupp Arena.
I also secured two last minute tickets myself. My friend asked what should we do and I said, “Let me handle this. I know what I’m doing.”
Arriving at the concert I overheard a gentlemen with a buzz haircut and wearing an army flak jacket asking about needing tickets. I offered two and named the price, $75.
He said, “I’m going to have to take your tickets and write you up a citation for ‘scalping tickets’ which is against the law in KY.” And he flashed his badge.
“Uhhhhh” I said.
And added, “Uhhhhh”
And finally, “Uhhhh” again.
He took the concert tickets and my license and handed me a $52.50 citation and wished me well. My friend had bolted with my ticket and was enjoying the concert. I went to our car which was blocked in for the night. This was pre-cell phone days so I went to a phone booth and called my mother.
“Some friends heard on the radio you’d gotten arrested for scalping tickets. Is that true?” She asked.
“I was cited. Not arrested! And I’m stuck without my car until after the concert. And they took the concert tickets too!” I responded.
“Well, as my friends said, it’s kinda funny and not that big a deal.”
That was my mom.
As for my dad, a few weeks later we had a family dinner and during the prayer before dinner my dad jokingly thanked the Lord that I was safe and not in prison. But added he was personally disappointed I only asked $75 per ticket when I could have gotten much more.
And finally, after dinner, my grandfather Brown, the renowned criminal lawyer age 81, offered to represent me pro bono and suggested we plead “temporary insanity.”
I was so relieved….and had learned my lesson.
The whole awful episode ended for me with my family supporting and laughing off what was a dumb thing to do–but not much more than that. Just a dumb kid being a dumb kid. But not being a “bad kid.”
By Jonathan Miller, on Mon May 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET
President Obama is not the only politician to change his public position on gay marriage. One year ago last week, I came out for marriage equality.
In my inaugural column for The Huffington Post, I revealed that I had always supported marriage equality, but that it was impossible to advocate for the cause and remain a viable statewide politician in my Bible Belt state.
Announcing my support for gay marriage was one of the proudest moments of my political recovery.
Last week, I celebrated my anniversary with a new column at The Huffington Post. Here’s an excerpt:
The President’s announcement is indeed the tipping point for the most important civil rights cause in a generation.
Because Obama made his voice heard, many other Americans will feel more comfortable in proclaiming their support for marriage equality. Still others will take another close look at the issue. When they understand that most of the counter-arguments are simply illogical — gay marriage doesn’t threaten traditional marriage; it doesn’t lead to bigamy and bestiality; it doesn’t undermine family values — they will join our cause as well.
And when support for marriage equality grows from a small majority today to an overwhelming majority in the coming months, there will be no stopping the momentum in state legislatures across the country into making marriage equality a reality for all Americans.
In the 24 hours since the President’s announcement, I’ve already been surprised by some who’ve joined the gay marriage bandwagon. While I knew that Dick Cheney was on board, I had no idea about Bush speechwriter David Frum, or even that my friend, fellow No Labels co-founder, and Bush-Cheney campaign manager Mark McKinnon was a marriage equality advocate. Mazel Tov, Mark!
And today, I also ask you to join me. If you are so inclined, in the comments section below, please indicate your support for marriage equality. And then using all of your social media tools — Facebook, Twitter, Google +, email, etc., please share your message with the world.
Harvey Milk, perhaps history’s most influential gay rights advocate, was right: When more gays and lesbians came out of the closet — and the rest of us began to realize that friends and even loved ones were gay; that gay men and women too can do “heroic things” — the stigma wore off, and it became politically and personally unacceptable to preach gay hatred.
Similarly, when more people discover that those they respect support gay marriage, it will help lead us on a path to full equality.
Now that the President is on board, I urge you to join me today. Together, we can make a real difference.
By Jonathan Miller, on Fri May 11, 2012 at 9:30 AM ET
One year ago today, I came out for gay marriage.
In my inaugural column for The Huffington Post, I revealed that I had always supported marriage equality, but that it was impossible to advocate for the cause and remain a viable statewide politician in my Bible Belt state.
Announcing my support for gay marriage was one of the proudest moments of my political recovery.
Today, I celebrate my anniversary with a new column at The Huffington Post. Here’s an excerpt:
The President’s announcement is indeed the tipping point for the most important civil rights cause in a generation.
Because Obama made his voice heard, many other Americans will feel more comfortable in proclaiming their support for marriage equality. Still others will take another close look at the issue. When they understand that most of the counter-arguments are simply illogical — gay marriage doesn’t threaten traditional marriage; it doesn’t lead to bigamy and bestiality; it doesn’t undermine family values — they will join our cause as well.
And when support for marriage equality grows from a small majority today to an overwhelming majority in the coming months, there will be no stopping the momentum in state legislatures across the country into making marriage equality a reality for all Americans.
In the 24 hours since the President’s announcement, I’ve already been surprised by some who’ve joined the gay marriage bandwagon. While I knew that Dick Cheney was on board, I had no idea about Bush speechwriter David Frum, or even that my friend, fellow No Labels co-founder, and Bush-Cheney campaign manager Mark McKinnon was a marriage equality advocate. Mazel Tov, Mark!
And today, I also ask you to join me. If you are so inclined, in the comments section below, please indicate your support for marriage equality. And then using all of your social media tools — Facebook, Twitter, Google +, email, etc., please share your message with the world.
Harvey Milk, perhaps history’s most influential gay rights advocate, was right: When more gays and lesbians came out of the closet — and the rest of us began to realize that friends and even loved ones were gay; that gay men and women too can do “heroic things” — the stigma wore off, and it became politically and personally unacceptable to preach gay hatred.
Similarly, when more people discover that those they respect support gay marriage, it will help lead us on a path to full equality.
Now that the President is on board, I urge you to join me today. Together, we can make a real difference.
As a former state senator who served prison time for lying about a campaign finance violation involving approximately $10,000, I unfortunately have a unique perspective on the imbroglio surrounding former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C. — a case in which campaign finance law, selective prosecution, and budget priorities in a time of scarcity happen to intersect.
The media attention surrounding my own guilty plea, resignation and prison sentence was extremely painful. Yet it was nothing compared with the widespread ridicule Edwards has received. His public image is ruined, and he faces a real possibility of prison. Even so, prison is not an appropriate punishment for someone who conceals an affair.
Edwards is now being prosecuted in federal court because one of his campaign backers pitched in to support his mistress and their love child, at a time when the public was unaware he had either. To the layman’s eye, such payments may not look like campaign contributions at all, let alone illegal ones. But according to prosecutors, they helped Edwards’ 2008 presidential campaign by concealing his infidelity and preserving his public image as a devoted family man.
Read the rest of… Jeff Smith: The Wasteful, Adrenaline-filled Case against John Edwards
By John Y. Brown III, on Tue May 8, 2012 at 12:00 PM ET
Sometimes there’s no substitute for the hackneyed phrase, “Only in America”
Tough economic times have led to long discussions with friends and colleagues about how best we to cope as they navigate a painfully tight job market.
My favorite resolution came from a fella I didn’t know well but was related to a dear friend. This person had gone through some tough times personally and vocationally recently and deserved a break.
Although I couldn’t help him, he helped me by giving me inspiration and teaching me a thing or two about persistence, self-confidence and, most of all, good old American pluck!
After losing his job and enduring a messy divorce he tried and failed starting his own business. After that he went through seemingly endless rounds of interviews in multiple industries and repeatedly came up empty handed. But then he had a brilliant idea.
By Jonathan Miller, on Mon May 7, 2012 at 5:00 PM ET
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the best political decision I ever made — picking up my hat from the ring, withdrawing from the Kentucky gubernatorial primary, and endorsing Steve Beshear.
Beshear went on to win landslide primary and general election victories, and I went on to enjoy my family, happiness, and peace.
And when I look back, it’s only with fondness; knowing that while I enjoyed the journey, the path ahead is much brighter.
As a former state senator who served prison time for lying about a campaign finance violation of approximately $10K, I unfortunately have a unique perspective on the John Edwards imbroglio – and also on the broader issues of campaign finance law, selective prosecution, and budget priorities in a time of scarcity.
If John Edwards goes to prison, then many other politicians should join him, according to the Department of Justice’s logic.
A candidate who innocuously accepts a second-hand sportcoat from a supporter who laments the candidate’s ill-fitting blazer, or accepts a free haircut from a friendly barber who understands the importance of candidate’s presentation – but doesn’t report them on quarterly contribution reporting form – has broken the law just as John Edwards did, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
(FEC rules state that any gift to a federal candidate that is meant to influence an election and which has not been given routinely prior to the benefactor’s candidacy must be reported.)
But if the DOJ has anything to say about it, there will be a precedent set for candidates, even political neophytes who know little about the intricacies of federal campaign finance law.
Any failure to report such gifts would merit a felony charge and, potentially, prison time.
Read the rest of… Jeff Smith: Is John Edwards a Criminal Or Just a Jerk?
An Ohio former elected official is coming to work in Delaware because he was “awarded a major contract with a nonprofit group in Delaware that seeks to improve public education in that state,” according to an Ohio newspaper article.
Greg Harris, a Democrat, dropped out of running for commissioner in an Ohio county after his firm was awarded the contract, according to City Beat. The story does not name where he’s headed to in Delaware.
I was checking out his Twitter account this evening. He posts a lot about education, including Delaware news. I’m not sure where he leans in the ed reform debate, but he get a retweet from Diane Ravitch on April 2. On the other hand, he’s also tweeted links to theRodel Foundation blog.
Last month, we introduced a new feature at The Recovering Politician: the Gen Y “He Said; She Said” debates.
I was an enthusiastic supporter of President Obama in 2008 in part because of the bipartisan environment he wanted to create, but also because I trusted his instinct to lead us in a direction that would make the United States more of a place of opportunity for young people like me, and for the many people that were used to finding themselves without any power in the political process. I believe that in that second objective, he has delivered the change he promised. Through health care reform, the JOBS Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and now his open support of marriage equality, he has brought more positive change to this country than President Bush did in his two terms.
