Calling All Berners: Time To Flip The House
After a week in which Donald Trump’s campaign lost considerable ground and credibility, even among core Republicans, it’s become much more possible that we will see a Hillary Clinton landslide in November. Given the high percentage of straight-ticket voting, a landslide would likely flip enough contested Senate races into the Democrat category to result in a slim Democratic majority in the Senate. This rapid change in the landscape of the Presidential race opens up an excitin
Heart-centered Political Leadership
Far away from the main stage in Philadelphia, where mega-watt political stars were delivering their carefully-polished addresses last week, I witnessed perhaps the best speech of my life by Senator Cory Booker. My friend Carol and I had decided to drop into the morning’s Youth Council session, where Senator Booker appeared as a surprise addition. I was delighted because his rousing address during the Monday night Convention had touched upon some similar themes as my recent bo
The Future vs. the Past
I was one of a small number of non-media people, I imagine, who attended the final nights of both the RNC and the DNC. What was most palpable to me was the sheer difference in energy. In Cleveland, I was in the uppermost tier of seats and there were lots of open seats near me and above me. Not only did many Republican leaders sit the Convention out, so did many of their usual guests. Cleveland was not a hot ticket. While there were eruptions of cheering and excitement at time
Beyond Bust To Breakthrough
To Bernie supporters, Last night, Bernie made it very clear that the only way the political revolution his campaign ignited can actually succeed in this election cycle is for Hillary to be elected president and to have the many gains of the campaign have a fighting chance of becoming law. I know that has been a hard pill to swallow and that many of you are grieving. I know some of you are considering voting for a third party or not all. Some of you have strong feelings of ant


The Honest Abe Pledge
After four days in Cleveland during which I have been touched, impressed, and moved in some surprising ways, including by several convention speakers and by the good-heartedness of many Republicans I have met, I feel compelled to write this article. On Tuesday, I spoke at the Purple Tent, which Stuart Muszynski created as a forum to find unifying common ground between Republicans and Democrats. After that day, I felt more hopeful than ever before that we can bridge our differ
Love At The RNC
While the headlines are filled with “red meat”, scandals and intense polarizations at play in Cleveland, I wanted to take a moment to share another story that is far more heartening and aligned with what America now needs. When I arrived on Sunday, July 17, I was on a plane with Republican delegates and I had a thoughtful, calm conversation with a Trump supporter who was sitting next to me. Once we arrived, I was struck by just how friendly and organized the volunteers were a


A Prayer For America
On this day dedicated to independence,
I pray that we release our celebration of violence,
And remember that we are made of nobler virtues.
May we recognize our high and holy purpose
That cannot be advanced through bloodshed,
Or fulfilled by hate, greed or fear.
E Pluribus Unum is more than a motto
It is a mission that
Can only be served by daring to love
All of humanity with a tender embrace,
Whispering the words that you, too, are welcome.
May we own our strength


Bernie: Taking Your Revolution To The Next Level
Dear Bernie, I want to start by deeply honoring you for a lifetime of integrity, service, and passion for change. And especially for creating an historic campaign that truly moved the needle on our national dialogue and expanded our vision for what is possible. I was one of the very earliest wave of contributors, before you even declared. I celebrated your rise even while I ultimately have chosen to support Hillary. I wrote a Huffington Post article about embracing both of