politics in America

Former members of Congress express concerns about U.S. politics.

Panelists at the 2015 Aspen Ideas Festival explored the influence of money on public policy, and what, in this age of innovation, could counter the trend and bring back the intrinsically American ideal of a popular democracy in which everyone’s voice counts.

As political candidates compete to address voters’ worries about work, here are a few issues to watch.

The political rewards for uncivil behavior may give candidates a bump in the polls or increase their fundraising, but the cumulative damage such actions are doing to this country by normalizing those behaviors is astounding.

Instead of doing the business of government like attending hearings, writing bills, educating themselves on policy, voting, and even being in Washington, legislators are consumed with the hunt for donations. This has a profound impact on the quality of their legislative work.

Democratic governors discuss how their priorities are making a difference and the challenges that lie ahead.