On October 5, 2023 the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and the Pew Research Center hosted a candid conversation about Americans’ deepening dissatisfaction with their elected officials and government and what that means for the future of American politics.
Since leaving office Senator Tom Daschle, Governor Christine Todd Whitman (NJ), and Massachusetts State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry have been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen American democracy and rebuild Americans’ trust in each other and our institutions. Veteran columnist and “Morning Joe” senior contributor Mike Barnicle led panelists in a candid discussion of what comes next, leaning on his first-hand knowledge of Senator Ted Kennedy’s commitment to bipartisan collaboration.
The program began with a presentation of brand-new national survey results from the Pew Research Center that chronicles Americans’ deep-seated frustration with the political system-including the three branches of government, both political parties, political leaders and candidates for office-and their mixed attitudes toward potential solutions. Is there a path forward, and what will it take to get there?
Panel
- Moderated by Mike Barnicle, Veteran Columnist and Morning Joe Sr. Contributor
- The Honorable Tom Daschle, former South Dakota Senator
- The Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry, former Massachusetts State Senator
- The Honorable Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey Governor
Presentation of “Americans’ Dismal Views of the Nation’s Politics,” Pew Research Center (Sept. 2023)
Jocelyn Kiley, Associate Director of Research, Pew Research Center