Why Gridlock Rules Washington and How We Can Solve This Crisis A bipartisan lecture with former Congressmen David Jolly (R-FL) and Patrick Murphy (D-FL) moderated by Abby Wood, USC Gould School of Law. Hyper-partisan politics. Entrenched gridlock in Washington. Can Americans find common ground on the most pressing issues we Read more…
We’re six months away from one of the most consequential midterm elections in modern history, and Americans are fed up with Congress. Politicians have gotten a bad rap throughout history, but today’s legislators are setting record lows in approval ratings and public trust. What gives? Why do they disappoint us so often? Are they really ignoring our needs and demands, or are we misunderstanding the challenges they face?
In this episode, Sarah Anderson shows that it’s a little of both: politicians don’t listen to all constituents equally, but they also can’t just snap their fingers and fulfill our wishes.
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Students Talk Back: A Weekly Politics and Public Policy Forum April 3, 2013 12:00pm to 1:00pm Featuring: Michael Madrid, Principal, Grassroots Lab Shikhar Gupta, Director of Underclassmen Engagement, USC College Democrats Giuseppe Robalino, Member, USC College Republicans Carrie Lopez, Chair, Hispanas Organizing for Political Equality Leadership Institute (HOPE) Co-moderated by: Read more…
Rapid demographic change has dramatic, polarizing effects among the electorate, especially in a time of economic despair. The declining majority status of whites, growing numbers of elderly, and increasing immigration each have been cause for rejoicing and new political demands. Yet those trends fan fears and galvanize opposition that is easily exploited by political candidates. In this environment is there any hope for reducing division and polarization? How can a middle-ground position of common interests be established and defended?