Politicians don’t need us to like them to win re-election. They simply need fewer people to like their opponent. But campaign politics is fundamentally different from governance politics. In governance politics, winners have to find ways to bring people together in even the narrowest alliances.
Tag Archives: advocates
Never Sacrifice Your Right to Not Have an Opinion
You never have to fully care about someone else’s issues. And not doing so could just be what keeps your successful advocacy day on track.
How Many Times Do I Have To Say This?!?!?
A few months back I was in DC for some hill visits with new-ish advocates. And they were tired. Dog tired. Going to DC is no joke. It takes a toll on you. Like any business travel, it throws off your system. Your sleep, your diet, your energy – it’s all off. But when you’reContinue reading “How Many Times Do I Have To Say This?!?!?”
The Most Concerning Talking Point You’ll Hear from Congress Right Now
Three separate meetings. Three very different members of congress. From both major parties. One message: you should expect a shutdown this fall. That’s the most concerning talking point I’m hearing consistently out of DC. Just a couple of weeks after they will return from the August recess period, Congress will face yet another fiscal cliff.Continue reading “The Most Concerning Talking Point You’ll Hear from Congress Right Now”
Balancing Urgency and Resolve; A Quick Mantra for Advocates
I’m writing this short piece as I sit on a flight after a productive week in our nation’s capital. Over the course of five long days…
Every Advocate Should Ask This One Rude Question
Advocacy meetings aren’t about proving you’re right and the other side is wrong, they are fundamentally about humanizing complex issues.
Last Week in Washington
But if you want to really stand out as one of those volunteer advocates, and build your own credibility, you have to remember that you are in charge of the agenda.
Tips for Advocates: Remember this truth as the Presidential Campaign Warms Up
This week, in the category of “worst kept secrets, two prominent Republicans will have announced their candidacies for the 2024 Presidential primary. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida will officially enter the fray after months of will they-won’t they speculation. And like the many others considering the same move,Continue reading “Tips for Advocates: Remember this truth as the Presidential Campaign Warms Up”
VLOG: Flipping Your Perspective on Congressional Offices and How to Avoid Partisanship
When writer’s block strikes, try talking it out! In today’s vlog, I share some perspectives from life inside a congressional district office and how you can better work with these teams to advance your cause. Check it out below, and let me know what you think! What should I cover the next time I recordContinue reading “VLOG: Flipping Your Perspective on Congressional Offices and How to Avoid Partisanship”
Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy
When I went on active duty, the conflict in Iraq had reached its high point. The dominant tactic from enemy forces on the ground had shifted, employing a devastating tactic: improvised explosive devices. Accordingly, our training was geared toward preparing us to think about the battle space in a different way – a way thatContinue reading “Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy”
Part of the Possible 