Podcast Summary
Shifting focus to state and local elections: Getting involved in local politics can make a difference in deciding how elections are administered and impact various policy areas like COVID policy, education, criminal justice, and housing.
The fight for democracy isn't over, despite recent setbacks in the Senate. While national efforts to pass voting rights bills have failed, the focus should shift to state and local elections, where power lies in deciding how elections are administered. Running for local office is a practical and inspiring way to make a difference, as state and local officials have significant influence over various policy areas, including elections, COVID policy, education, criminal justice, and housing. Amanda Littman, co-founder of Run For Something, shares her insights on the importance of getting involved at the local level. Despite the challenges, there's still power in the hands of the people to make a difference and ensure the democratic process is protected.
Congress and the Supreme Court can't protect democracy alone: The complex structure of US elections makes it hard to rig but easy to throw into chaos, requiring ongoing efforts to reinforce democracy at various levels
The recent failed votes in Congress for democracy protection bills provided clarity that we cannot solely rely on Congress and the Supreme Court to safeguard our democracy. These bills, while making a dent in voter suppression and trust issues, did not address the local level chicanery and pressure from figures like Donald Trump. The structure of elections in the US is complex, with 50 state elections, thousands of county elections, and various overlapping bodies governing by different rules and timelines. There is no single site to win and ensure the game is safe. The system's complexity makes it hard to rig elections but easy to throw them into chaos. We must acknowledge the challenges and continue working towards reinforcing democracy at various levels.
Right-wing extremists targeting local elections: Right-wing extremists are encouraging followers to run for local office, potentially undermining democratic structures and election results.
The potential for election subversion in the 2024 election could come from small, local actions rather than large-scale protests. Steve Bannon and other far-right extremist groups are encouraging their followers to run for local office and take control of the structures that determine how elections are run. This is compounded by the fact that Democrats have less power at the state and local level, making it easier for the opposition to undermine the democratic system. The consequences of this could be significant, leading to uncertainty, mistrust, and potentially preventing the election result entirely. This is not just speculation, as there have already been reports of surges in Republican party engagement at the local level, with groups like Oathkeepers and the Proud Boys also getting involved. It's important to recognize that there is not an asymmetry in politics, and both sides have their strengths and weaknesses. However, the focus on local politics by the right could be a strategic move that could have serious implications for American democracy.
Republican control of state legislatures led to Democratic disadvantage: Republican control of state legislatures a decade ago weakened Democratic Party structure, allowing manipulation of election outcomes and hindering long-term investment for sustainable power.
The Republican Party's strategic control of state legislatures a decade ago has led to an imbalance in power and disadvantaged the Democratic Party in the redistricting process, resulting in a weakened party structure for the next decade. This was achieved through various means, including weakening unions, restricting voting rights, and advancing conservative policies. While polarization and population shifts have also contributed to the Republican Party's advantage, the control of state legislatures has allowed them to manipulate election outcomes. Additionally, Democratic donors, driven by inspiration and emotion, tend to focus on presidential campaigns and short-term goals, while Republican donors approach politics as a long-term investment for business interests. This mismatch between goals and actions has hindered the Democratic Party's ability to build sustainable power and win elections at all levels.
Republican institutions more effective in organizing, Democratic institutions weakening: Republicans have stronger institutions for organizing and developing activists, while Democrats face a decline in labor unions' power and resources, leading to the rise of organizations like Run for Something to fill the gap
The Republican party has been more effective at year-round organizing and developing conservative activists and operatives, thanks to institutions like the Leadership Institute and Americans for Prosperity. This contrasts with the Democratic party, which has seen a decline in the power and resources of traditional organizing tools like labor unions. This weakening of Democratic institutions is partly due to intentional Republican strategies, such as weakening unions through right-to-work laws. Additionally, some Democratic candidates have campaigned against the party itself, undermining trust and funds. As a result, organizations like Run for Something emerged to fill the gap, launching in 2017 to help recruit and support young, diverse candidates for office. The absence of effective Democratic institutions for candidate recruitment led the organization to find candidates in unconventional ways, such as through social media and personal networks.
Empowering Young People to Run for Office: Run for Something helps young people answer the 'why, what, and how' questions of running for office, enabling them to successfully get on the ballot and make a difference in their communities
There is a significant lack of focus on young people and local politics in the political landscape. Two friends, Amanda and Ross, recognized this issue and started the organization Run for Something to address it. They initially thought they would help a small number of people run for office as a side project, but the response was overwhelming. Over 100,000 young people have now signed up to run. However, only about 10% of these individuals actually end up getting on the ballot. The organization's success lies in providing an on-ramp for people who previously thought running for office was an unattainable goal. The key to encouraging people to take action is helping them answer the questions of why they want to run, what problem they want to solve, and how the office they're seeking will allow them to do so. Once these questions are answered, the logistics of running a campaign become manageable.
Democratizing the process of running for office: Run for Something and similar organizations provide resources to help navigate the logistical side of campaigning, making it more accessible for young people and those looking to make a difference in their communities.
Running for office, especially for young people, can seem daunting due to the intentional complexities and barriers set up by the system. However, organizations like Run for Something aim to democratize the process by providing resources and guidance on how to navigate the logistical side of campaigning, such as getting on the ballot and writing a campaign plan. There are over half a million elected offices in the US, many of which have a significant impact on our daily lives, from school boards to water abatement boards. While the US political system may seem overwhelming, the core of running for office is simple: identify the voters you need to reach, engage with them effectively and efficiently, and do so before election day. Run for Something and similar organizations help make this process more accessible and manageable for those interested in making a difference in their communities.
Local Politics: Making a Difference Beyond the Mainstream: Getting involved in local politics through roles like school boards, city councils, library boards, and mosquito abatement districts can have a significant impact on communities and serve as stepping stones for future political careers. Anyone can make a difference, regardless of background or experience.
There are numerous political positions beyond the commonly known ones like president or governor, and these lesser-known roles can have a significant impact on communities. School boards, city councils, library boards, and even mosquito abatement districts are examples of such positions. These roles may not be as expensive, intimidating, or time-consuming as one might think, and they can serve as stepping stones for future political careers. Moreover, the stereotype of a typical politician is being challenged as more diverse individuals from various backgrounds are running for office. These individuals come from different professions, education levels, and experiences, proving that anyone can make a difference in their community by getting involved in local politics.
Being authentic and adaptable in politics: Successful political candidates need authenticity, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Voters forgive past mistakes if candidates are honest and open to feedback.
Successful political candidates require a combination of inherent skills, adaptability, and authenticity. Candidates should be open to feedback, willing to learn, and able to separate constructive criticism from hateful comments. While it's essential to have a strong work ethic and be willing to be vulnerable, extroversion, public speaking skills, or policy expertise are not absolute requirements. Voters are generally forgiving of past mistakes if candidates are honest and authentic about their experiences and how they've learned from them. School board races, while not cheap, are still affordable compared to larger campaigns. Candidates should remember they are not fronting the money themselves and should ask their network for support. The key is to be honest, authentic, and dedicated to serving the community.
Fundraising for local campaigns: Make a difference and ask for support: Fundraising for local campaigns can be uncomfortable, but the yeses you receive remind you that people believe in your cause. Don't be discouraged by rejections, as the process can push issues forward and hold incumbents accountable.
Fundraising for local campaigns is an opportunity to make a difference in your community and a chance to ask for support from those around you. It can be an uncomfortable experience, but the yeses you receive are powerful reminders that people believe in your cause. Even if you lose an election, the experience can be valuable in building resiliency and galvanizing your community. Remember, it's not personal and people's relationship with their money and politics can be complex. Keep putting yourself out there, and don't be discouraged by rejections. The process of campaigning, whether you win or lose, can push issues and debates forward and hold incumbents or opposition accountable.
Engaging in local politics leads to meaningful connections and experiences: Getting involved in local politics can result in personal victories, building relationships with community leaders, and making a significant impact due to the smaller scale, providing a sense of satisfaction from tangible results.
Getting involved in local politics can lead to meaningful connections and experiences that may not be possible in the realm of national politics. These local engagements can result in personal victories, the opportunity to build relationships with community leaders, and the ability to make a significant impact due to the smaller scale. As highlighted in the podcast conversations, even candidates from underrepresented groups like trans individuals can have impactful interactions with their neighbors, creating a sense of love for their community. Engaging in local politics also provides a sense of satisfaction from seeing the tangible results of one's efforts, making it a more sustainable and rewarding experience overall.
Focusing on what you can do for your community: To build a successful campaign, focus on specific actions you can take to address local issues and deliver for voters, rather than getting swept up in national politics.
When considering running for office, it's essential to focus on what you can do for your community with the position, rather than just why you want to win. This requires honest introspection and understanding the limitations of your power. By identifying the issue that motivates you and finding specific actions you can take to address it at a local level, you can make a meaningful impact and build a successful campaign. However, it's crucial to avoid getting swept up in national politics and ensure that your focus remains on the unique needs and concerns of your community. This means being reflective and representative of the people you aim to represent, rather than trying to replicate national debates or issues at a local level. Ultimately, by focusing on what you can deliver for voters, you'll be able to tell a compelling story and make a positive difference in your community.
Personal relationships key to voter engagement: Building genuine connections with voters through local issues can help win over votes and create a more connected political climate.
Building personal relationships between candidates and voters is the most effective way to engage and turn out voters. This was highlighted by the story of a young Muslim woman named Sadia Afzal, who knocked on doors in a Chicago suburb and managed to win over an older white man's vote through a genuine conversation about local issues. This personal touch can help break through the nationalization of political conversations and create a more connected political climate. It's not a guaranteed method, but it's a more effective alternative to not trying at all. This approach is not limited to Democrats or young progressives; anyone who values democracy and free and fair elections should consider running for office at every level, regardless of political affiliations. Organizations exist to support and help candidates get on the ballot and win. Building sustainable democratic power is crucial, and having Republicans who believe in elections should be a priority, especially in areas where Democrats may be naturally disadvantaged.
Empowering Young, Underrepresented Candidates: Run For Something supports candidates under 40 to bring fresh perspectives and experiences to politics, addressing the lack of representation of young people in government and creating a more reflective democracy.
Representation matters in politics, and organizations like Run For Something prioritize young, underrepresented candidates to bring new perspectives and experiences to the table. While experience and age can provide valuable insights, the lack of representation of young people in government, particularly millennials and Gen Z, leads to a skewed understanding of issues affecting these generations. For instance, young people's experiences with housing, education, and student loans differ significantly from those who have had more time to accumulate wealth and assets. Run For Something's focus on candidates under 40 aims to address this imbalance and create a more reflective democracy. Additionally, the organization recognizes the importance of engaging with individuals across the political spectrum, as long as they support democratic values and truth.
Understanding the experiences of young politicians: Explore RunForWhat.com for political opportunities, read 'The Heart Principle', 'Olga Dies Dreaming', and 'Let's Get Physical' for inspiration
Understanding the lived experiences of young people, particularly Democrats, is crucial for effective governance. Young politicians, often women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, bring fresh perspectives and have achieved significant progress in various areas. For instance, they have ended single-family zoning in Berkeley, California, and established student loan debt caucuses in state legislatures. To encourage more young people to run for office, Amanda Litman suggests using RunForWhat.com to explore available positions in your area. As for recommended reads, she suggests "The Heart Principle" by Helen Wong for a romantic and relaxing escape, "Olga Dies Dreaming" by Xochitl Gonzalez for a thought-provoking blend of romance, politics, and New York life, and "Let's Get Physical" by Daniel Friedman for an engaging exploration of women's history and body ownership.
