We are The Optimistic American, and we are in the business of promoting what is going right in our country. Every day, there is tremendous progress being made in America — across technology, public policy, science and medicine, and much more — that will set current and future generations up for success. Our goal is to highlight these advancements and tilt the scale of news and information from pessimism towards optimism.
Discussed in this episode:
In this video, Paul Johnson is joined by former Senate President, Alaska Republican Senator and Alaska Majority Leader, Cathy Giessel.
They discuss the role of divisiveness in America today, the two types of voting systems, and how the demographic in Alaska promotes collaboration – and cooperation – between lawmakers with different political views.
-The divisiveness in the U.S. is the highest Paul has seen in his 40 years watching the political system.
-Senator Giessel, the majority leader in Alaska, breaks down how the closed primary system used to work and how it has dramatically reduced divisiveness in the open primary system with a top four that Alaska has adopted.
-Senator Giessel shares her experience in regards to how the role of and the interaction with voters changed with the two systems.
-The closed primary resulted in candidates only talking to members of their own party. Gerrymandering allowed them to avoid competition in the general election. With 85% of all seats being from safe districts, little communication existed with representatives and members of the opposite party. That has changed with open primaries where elected officials have to speak to all constituents.
-According to Senator Giessel, the open primary and the rank choice have really reduced negative campaigning.
-Senator Giessel points out that the open primary reforms in Alaska have vastly improved and promotes collaboration and cooperation between lawmakers.
Mentioned in this video:
-optamerican.com
-Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You by Dr Emily Bashah and Hon Paul Johnson - [ Ссылка ]
-The Optimistic American on YouTube - [ Ссылка ]
-Cathy Giessel - [ Ссылка ]
-Alexander Hamilton - [ Ссылка ]
-Thomas Jefferson - [ Ссылка ]
-Mo Udall - [ Ссылка ]
This interview reflects the best themes of The Optimistic American, that our best days lie ahead.
You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts!
Spotify: [ Ссылка ]
Apple Podcasts: [ Ссылка ]
Google Podcasts: [ Ссылка ]
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Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! [ Ссылка ]
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
03:53 - How Primary Systems Work
04:46 - Rank Choice Voting
15:46 - How Voters Responded
26:20 - Negative Campaigning
30:19 - Alaska's Political Parties
33:20 - Conclusion
