Read below for essays from Aspen Institute leadership that shed light on larger issues about what this year’s presidential election means for democracy and America’s future.
6 Policy Areas for the Trump Administration to Focus On
The goal of each idea presented here is to bring people to listen and seek solutions that will make America a better place.
America, It’s Time for a Serious Conversation
We no longer seem to understand each other, much less our system of government.
In America, Who Is “Us” Now?
This election is not the end. It is only a milepost in a long struggle to define American identity.
Politics: A Values Vacuum
When political debate is informed by fear rather than facts, it is no surprise that it is reduced to the basest of personal accusations.
How America Got to This Point
No matter who is elected to the presidency, to Congress, or to state and local offices, it is the repair of our institutional substructures that is our greatest challenge.
Political Parties Must Do a Better Job of Understanding Latino-Americans
The new administration must contend with an America where Latino-Americans are a bigger part of society than ever before.
Energy Policy Shouldn’t Rely on the Election Cycle
Regardless of who wins the presidency, we must continue to support innovation related to our energy economy.
A Bipartisan Effort for Generations to Come
Two senators have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at lifting lower-income families out of poverty – an encouraging sign of progress.
Will the Election Ensure a Ninth Supreme Court Justice?
Courtwatchers assume a return to business as usual following the current election. That might not be the case.
Rebuilding a Legislative Reputation
After November, it is the legislature that will have the power to reunite our country.
Race and Election 2016
There is no better time than now to amplify, or begin, our efforts to realize racial equity.
Civil discussion is struggling. Let’s ask our youth for help.
What if we lay the seeds for diverse and collaboration conversation in our youth?
The Presidential Election: Who Pays for and Benefits from College Education?
College affordability has emerged as a core issue of the 2016 election campaign.
Urban America is facing challenges; youth employment could help solve them.
Urban America continues to face social and economic crises, bolstered by historical disenfranchisement and institutional racism.
Working for a Stronger America
We need a new system to restore the promise of work.
Foundations’ Role in Tackling America’s Problems
Some problems cannot be left to markets or governments to solve.
The Promise of Social Innovation
Transformative impact is most effective when a systems change mindset is adopted.
The Power of Youth Engagement
My great grandfather wasn’t allowed to vote. The real reason? He was Native American.
Here’s the Health Care Movement You’ve Been Waiting For
There’s an unprecedented amount of innovation at all levels of the health care system.
Most agree we need to invest in better infrastructure; could this issue unify the country?
Could the desire for investment in US infrastructure unite the Left and Right?
The Future of Work
There is palpable anger that the “Great American Bargain” is broken.
What This Election Can Really Mean for America
The need today for nonpartisan, policy-focused organizations is greater than ever.