Common Sense Conversations
Highlights of some of the most impactful conversations from the inaugural Un-Convention.
Livestream
Broadcast live on October 7,. 2022 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Panel Discussions & Policy Lightning Rounds
Representatives from Bipartisan Policy Center, Smerconish, and Unite America kick off the day.
Americans have largely “self-sorted” into like-minded communities. From schools to clubs to online activities, we are spending more time with people like us and less time engaging across differences. Many believe that this lack of social connection is fueling the bitterness, rigidity, and polarization in our politics. We hear from dynamic elected and community leaders on their experiences and ideas to rebuild a sense of common values and shared purpose.
Lesley Jantarasami, Managing Director of Energy Program at BPC, leads the Clean Energy Policy Lightning Round.
This panel explores the electoral structures standing in between the American people and their leaders in Congress that distort representation and polarize our government. From primaries to gerrymandering, panelists discuss why these systems need reform and what individual voters and political leaders should do to make this reform happen.
Rachel Orey, Associate Director of Elections Policy at BPC, leads the Elections Policy Lightning Round.
This panel discusses the scenarios in which fair and free election results could be threatened without clear recourse—conspiracy theorists winning secretary of state positions, local election officials refusing to count ballots or certify results, the independent state legislature doctrine taking effect, rogue poll workers manipulating ballots, and beyond.
Admiral Stavridis outlines the deep divisions in American society and why they are the greatest threat we face to our security and outlines some practical steps to escaping the "dark forest" into which we have stumbled.
Adrienne Schweer, Fellow and Paid Family Leave Initiative Lead at BPC leads the Working Family Support Policy Lightning Round.
Michael Smerconish, host of SiriusXM's "The Michael Smerconish Program" and CNN's “Smerconish," moderates a conversation between two former cable television presidents about politics and our political landscape. Jeff Zucker is the former president of CNN Worldwide and was previously the president and CEO of NBC Universal. Phil Griffin is the former president of MSNBC credited with launching both “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show." The trio offers an insider's view into the state of our politics and the impactful role of the media.
What motivates Americans to go to the polls? How can candidates reach voters who are disengaged or feel disenfranchised? BPC and SiriusXM’s Steve Scully moderates a lively discussion as our panel examines the values, beliefs, and motivations of likely and unlikely voters from different communities.
Julia Harris, Senior Policy Analyst at BPC, leads the Health Care Policy Lightning Round.
Dennis C. Shea, Executive Director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy at BPC, leads the Affordable Housing Lightning Round.
Sophie Beren recaps our conversations and hears from our in-person and virtual delegates: What moved you? How will you move beyond your own echo chambers and have productive, civil conversations with those whose views may differ?
Then, Jason Grumet, President of BPC, and Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America, reflect on and close out the day.