Democracy in Color’s Post

Anyone remember Geraldine Ferraro’s vice-presidential debate against George H.W. Bush in 1984? No? Well, if it’s any consolation, I did watch it but I don’t recall a thing. What about Lloyd Bentsen debate with Dan Quayle in 1988? All I remember was Bentsen’s line: “I knew John F. Kennedy and you’re no John F. Kennedy.” Ouch. What about Al Gore’s face off against Jack Kemp in 1996? Or Dick Cheney’s against John Edwards in 2004? Or Joe Biden against Sarah Palin in 2008? Let’s face it. Vice-presidential debates aren’t particularly memorable. But tonight’s will be especially important, for four reasons: As I said yesterday, most voters know Trump and have made their minds up about him but they don’t know Kamala Harris. Hence, a major goal for both Tim Walz and JD Vance will be to give voters a fuller picture of her (although, obviously, opposite pictures). Second, Vance is setting himself up to be Trump’s heir apparent for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, so his character and temperament, as well as his positions on issues, are potentially important to the future. Third, although a vice president normally has few responsibilities (FDR’s vice president John Nance Garner famously described the office as being "not worth a bucket of warm piss”), the vice president is a heartbeat away from the Oval Office — a fact that may be especially important when we’ve already seen two assassination attempts on a presidential candidate and when the oldest presidential candidate in history is running for office (whose incoherence is growing by the day). Finally, tonight’s debate is likely to be the last debate before Election Day in a truncated general-election campaign. So this could be the last time both sides of a polarized nation tuned in to hear the other side’s arguments. So, you might want to tune in. Michael Lahanas-Calderón and I will do our best to provide you with context, clarity (fact checks), and company. Please join us right here, starting at 8:45 ET/5:45 PT.

The #VPDebate concluded the 2024 debate season with a steady and insightful discussion that captivated viewers. While VP Debates may not significantly shift overall ticket support, this one enriched the dialogue with valuable perspectives. With projections indicating a tight race between presidential candidates, Vote By Mail (#VBM) ballots are now reaching mailboxes across Florida, prompting voters to make informed decisions. Our team of #PoliticalInnovators is already eyeing the 2025 - 2026 political landscape for exciting opportunities. If you're considering a run for office, now is the time to initiate inspiring conversations about crafting a winning #strategy. Connect with J&W to explore a fresh approach to campaign strategy. Our streamlined and cost-effective model is designed to guide you to victory. Let's strategize for success! #CampaignExcellence #PoliticalStrategy #LeadershipOpportunities

Labour leader Keir Starmer heads into the #GeneralElection campaign with a commanding poll lead. But what does he need to do to turn that into a reality? Our Head of #PublicAffairs, Clova Fyfe, reckons that there are three things Starmer needs to do in the weeks ahead: 1️⃣ Demonstrate he has the leadership and vision of what change will look like 2️⃣ Regain traditional heartlands, and reach beyond them to new voters 3️⃣ Look beyond the election, and talk about how he'll tackle the challenges he'll face in office You can read Clova's analysis of these challenges, and what they mean for your business, right here 👉 https://bit.ly/3R2siub

Big thanks to Callahan & Associates, Inc. for inviting me to be part of this important conversation! Catch the recording at the link.

The Munk Debates took over Roy Thompson Hall earlier this week. In the age of doom-scrolling, split-screen yelling matches and hot takes, this org does good work to keep substantive and civil debate alive and well. The format is refreshing: 2 vs. 2. One side arguing "pro", the other "con". As an audience, you vote on questions before the debate begins. One question stuck out: "are you open to changing your mind based on what is presented tonight?" . I love this question. I like how it reminds you to park your pre-determined opinions and be receptive to the info you are hearing. It reveals the potential swing vote in the room. We often ask a version of it when we facilitate executive teams / present strategy at the Board level ( "if you disagree, can you be convinced?" or "what would you need to be convinced?"). Help us strengthen the argument with - and get real feedback from - the swing vote in the room.

Based on hours of previous debate videos and analysis by experts, here’s how the vice presidential candidates stack up against each other.

🗳️ **How 5 Minutes from You Can Change a Nation** As professionals dedicated to shaping industries and innovating for the future, we know the value of time. Yet, there’s one action, taking merely 5 minutes, that has the profound power to impact our nation's future—**voting**. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a cornerstone of our democracy. Each ballot cast is a voice, a declaration of our values and aspirations. When we step into the voting booth, we’re not just selecting representatives; we’re influencing public policy, impacting economic strategies, and ensuring our voice is heard in the corridors of power. In our busy lives, these 5 minutes might seem minor, but their ripple effects are monumental. They determine the quality of governance and the direction of national policy. Remember, every great change starts with a single, simple action. This election season, let’s prioritize our visit to the polling booth. Encourage your team, your peers, and your network. Share resources, discuss the importance of each vote, and maybe even organize a group visit to the polls. Let’s unite our professional prowess to empower our democratic duty. Because when it comes to governance, we’re not just bystanders; we're stakeholders. Your 5 minutes can change a nation. Let’s make them count! 🌐 #VotingMatters #DemocracyInAction #Leadership #CivicEngagement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 10, 2024 / Harris-Walz 2024 Presidential Campaign Talking Points - STATEMENT: Ahead of Debate, Trump-Vance Ticket Still Peddling Election Lies JD: “I think there were issues back in 2020.” On David Sacks’ “All In” podcast, JD Vance refused to commit to certifying the results of a free and fair election. Four times. This comes on the heels of Donald Trump spending his weekend threatening to lock up his political enemies, even directing police officers to intimidate election workers and voters – which we’re already seeing in Florida. Jason Calacanis: “Your new boss, Trump, is a little upset at Mike Pence because Mike Pence refused to overturn the election results. If you were in that same position, what would you do? Would you have overturned the election results?” Vance: “Let me take issue with the premise …” Calacanis: “Would you have not certified the election?” Vance: “... I think there were issues back in 2020 … Do I think Mike Pence could have played a better role? Yes. …” Calacanis: “So would you have certified the election, for the third time?” Vance: “I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors …” Calacanis: “So you wouldn’t have certified it, to be clear?” Vance: “I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors.” The following is a statement from Harris-Walz 2024 Spokesperson Ammar Moussa on Vance refusing to commit to certifying election results: “The Trump-Vance ticket is spending the days before the debate ratcheting up their dangerous lies, the same lies that inspired a mob to attack the Capitol and try to overturn the 2020 election. Donald Trump is telling us exactly what he will do if he wins – with the help of his Supreme Court justices, he’ll implement his Project 2025 playbook to give himself virtually unlimited, unchecked power and go after his political enemies. Trump’s campaign is solely about himself and his revenge and retribution. But the American people have another choice this fall and will elect the only candidate in this race with a positive vision for the future, focused on delivering for everyday families – Vice President Kamala Harris.” ###

Concerned about how the upcoming General election might impact your investments? Research indicates that political events like General Elections typically have limited long-term effects on the market. While political changes can lead to investor concerns, it's crucial not to get caught up in short-term fluctuations. Even with a change in Government, immediate alterations are minimal. The coming months will offer more insight into any planned fiscal and policy changes. Although manifestos have been released by all political parties, many decisions are yet to be finalized. The King's Speech, outlining the proposed legislative agenda, followed by a Budget in the autumn, will bring more clarity on potential adjustments. Stay informed, stay focused, and remember to look beyond the immediate noise during this period of political transition. #Investments #GeneralElection #MarketBehavior #PolicyChanges

WHILE SCOTT Galloway may not be everyone's cup of tea, the discussion held between he and Steven Bartlett is far more than the spilling of tea, as the saying goes. The link below provides a VERY thoughtful pre-election analysis of the Trump-Harris campaign. Even though it's after the fact now, what is shared through the discussion will give deep and broad insight on the larger matters involved. Also, check out Scott's latest publication. You'll be glad you did! https://lnkd.in/gWnds2U4