An Honorable Profession

ICYMI: DNC Chair Jaime Harrison on 2024 and the Party’s Future

Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2023 conversation with Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison. In this special episode, celebrating 5 years and 200 episodes of An Honorable Profession, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty talk to Chair Jaime Harrison about his remarkable journey into politics and his vision for growing the Democratic Party. They discuss the outlook for and importance of the 2024 election, including the role of state and local leaders in showing how Democrats can deliver tangible results, how the Biden-Harris Administration has beaten the odds, and what the party is doing to defend democracy and combat voter suppression efforts nationwide. Tune in to learn more about why Harrison is hopeful for the future and his advice to young people looking to pursue a career in public service and elected office.

IN THIS EPISODE

(0:01:05) A special mention honoring our 200th episode and fifth anniversary!

(0:02:15) An introduction to guest, Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee.

(0:03:37) The 2024 election and why this election cycle is so important for American democracy.

(0:05:40) What the DNC is doing to combat tactics that limit people’s ability to vote in the election.

(0:09:07) Chair Harrison’s message to voters on what sets the Democrat Party apart from the Republicans.

(0:12:30) An overview of the historic legislative achievements of this administration and the lack of coverage on these have received in the media.

(0:14:10) How listeners can help ensure that people understand these accomplishments.

(0:17:10) Harrison’s remarkable journey, from his upbringing in South Carolina to becoming chair of the DNC.

(0:22:08) Why Chair Harrison considers the Democratic Party to be the party of hope.

(0:23:40) How a desire to make a difference fueled Jaime’s aspiration to get into politics and his advice to young people looking to get into politics.

Third Way’s Matt Bennett on the Dangers of A Third Party Candidate

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Matt Bennett, the co-founder and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Third Way, a center-left think tank in Washington D.C. and a great partner of the NewDEAL. They talk about what we should take from last Tuesday’s election results in states like Kentucky and Virginia, the recent New York Times polling on the 2024 presidential race, and the threat that third-party presidential candidates — particularly via No Labels’ efforts — pose to our democracy. They also talk about Matt’s path into public service, his involvement in an iconic political moment, and Third Way’s efforts to champion winning ideas and uplift the center-left. Tune in to hear Matt’s tips on what we should do as we head into 2024.

IN THIS EPISODE

[01:10] Introducing Matt Bennett and his work at Third Way.

[02:35] The historic tendency for the public to vote democratic when the stakes are at their highest.

[03:38] Political context for this conversation including the week of the New York Times poll.

[04:24] Understanding that we are at the referendum stage of politics.

[05:25] The tendency for voters to use polls to complain.

[06:22] An overview of the No Labels decision to put forward a third-party representative.

[10:26] What it means to be a ‘dark money’ group and how No Labels occupies this space.

[13:17] Why No Labels has added gold to the Electoral Map.

[17:55] Predictions on who the candidate might be and why it won’t be Joe Manchin.

[20:38] A timeline for the announcement of this candidate: 2024 at the latest.

[26:00] The possibility that Trump will no longer be a nominee.

[28:11] Matt’s journey to working in politics today.

[30:40] Dukakis in a Tank and Matt’s involvement in the activation.

[33:06] Third Way and its work in problem-solving politics.

[35:47] Advice for the politically active as we move into a new year.

Olivia Julianna on How Democrats Can Win Young Voters

In this week’s episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty speak with political strategist and influencer Olivia Julianna. As a seventeen-year-old living in a conservative Texas household, Olivia started posting her political opinions online and received national attention for her direct and practical perspective on top policy issues. As her followers grew, so did the haters, including Congressman Matt Gaetz, whose disparaging attacks on her at a 2022 conservative summit motivated Olivia to leverage the limelight to raise $2 million for reproductive rights. Since then, her following has continued to grow, and now she is being asked to guide the White House and state and local leaders on how to connect with young voters. Olivia, Ryan, and Debbie also talk about the disconnect between online and real life, and why Olivia wants Democrats to use simple rhetoric to communicate with voters. Olivia also helps us unpack concerns around voter suppression ahead of the 2024 election, advises young people on how to get more involved in their local politics, and directs Democrats on how to rally voters. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and why Olivia believes Texas will be a blue state by 2030.

IN THIS EPISODE

[01:05] A warm welcome to political activist Olivia Julianna, as she describes what led her to politics.

[02:40] The challenges she’s faced in becoming an influential political voice.

[10:07] What motivated her to persevere despite death threats and negative criticism.

[12:38] The disconnect between what’s online and what’s happening in the real world.

[15:33] How Olivia goes about raising the alarm on economic empowerment.

[20:35] Keep it simple, stupid: How elected officials should speak to their constituents on key issues.

[23:03] Why Olivia believes that Texas will inevitably become an all-blue state.

[27:20] Her concerns about voter suppression ahead of the upcoming elections.

[30:25] Her advice to young people who want to get more involved in the politics of their area.

[33:28] A message to Democrats on how to rally voters for 2024.

[36:30] Why you will not find Olivia running for federal office in Washington D.C.

Representative Phil Olaleye on Georgia’s Next Generation of Leadership

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Georgia Representative Phil Olaleye, whose district includes parts of Atlanta and the city of East Point. Olaleye is a passionate education advocate, who also serves as the Executive Director of Next Gen Men & Women, a nonprofit that creates pathways of opportunity for under-resourced students to graduate prepared for college and career. He describes his path to public service, starting with his upbringing as the son of working-class immigrants, his experience in the PeaceCorps, and what it takes to break down barriers for Georgia students living in poverty. The conversation also touches on the bipartisan effort to defeat a private school vouchers bill in the state legislature, as well as the recent court ruling to require the redrawing of Republican-authored congressional and legislative maps that have diluted Black power in Georgia for generations. Tune in to learn why Rep. Olaleye is a dynamic, rising leader you need to keep your eye on.

IN THIS EPISODE

[02:00] Meet Georgia Representative Phil Olaleye.

[02:57] His introduction to public service and the learning curves he has experienced along the way.

[04:45] How his upbringing ignited his passion for public service.

[06:33] The non-profit, Next Gen Men and Women, where Olaleye serves as the Executive Director.

[09:24] What justice means to him and the Discovery Trips hosted by Next Gen Men and Women.

[14:42] Why representation is so important to move things along within the Georgia legislature.

[15:14] Re-writing the unconstitutional maps in Georgia to restore voting rights for Black voters.

[26:00] Georgia’s failed Private Schools Voucher Bill.

[27:24] The role of education in the future of our society, particularly in Georgia.

[31:40] The first bill Rep. Olaleye sponsored: The Georgia Educational Opportunity Act.

[33:25] Why investing in children is the easiest and most important ROI.

[37:30] How working in public service has pushed Olaleye to build an inquiring mind and sacrifice for others.

[39:42] The story of how he fell in love with the work that he continues to do today.

[40:53] His hopeful perspective for the future.

Representative Leonela Felix on Diversity and Inclusion in the Legislature

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks to Representative Leonela Felix about her journey from the Dominican Republic to the Rhode Island legislature. She discusses her career in immigration law, how she developed an interest in policy after listening to stories in her community, and how her path to public service was influenced by her work with nonprofits and mobilizing the Latino community in Pawtucket. The conversation also delves into Felix’s efforts to promote diverse voices and experiences and improve ethics standards in government. In addition, she talks about her passion for criminal justice reform, and how she balances public service with her other day job and her personal life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and to learn why you should visit Rhode Island on your next getaway.

IN THIS EPISODE

[01:06] Introducing Rhode Island Representative Leonela Felix.

[01:54] Her experience of moving from the Dominican Republic to Rhode Island.

[03:24]What motivated Representative Felix to run for office.

[5:09] What it was like to run during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[6:33] Moving from an advocacy role into her seat as a representative.

[07:20] The importance of having Black, Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander voices.

[08:39] Her efforts to support working families, reform the penal system, and protect choice.

[12:28] The importance of personal experiences in policy and decision-making.

[13:05] Expanding definitions for inclusivity.

[14:51] Juggling between part-time legislature and a full-time job.

[17:18] The role of ethics in government.

[19:06] Opportunities in legal reform, funding the public transport system, and parental economic support.

[20:24] Representative Felix’s efforts to push new bills that address affordable housing and stability.

Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker on Motherhood and Elected Office

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks policy and balancing work and family life with Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker. They discuss how Bennett-Parker uses her master’s degree in food anthropology to inform fresh food programs and policies in Virginia, her continuing efforts to expand SNAP benefits for senior citizens, and the push for free, universal school meals. She explains how she has achieved bipartisan support for her bills and the challenges of getting stuff done while juggling the “scheduling gymnastics” of Virginia’s part-time legislature, crediting robust collaboration with her staff and colleagues. Bennett-Parker talks about her experience as a new mom in the House of Delegates, as well as some of the steps state legislatures can take to make serving in elected office more accessible for new and working parents. The conversation also examines the prospects for Democrats in a critical off-year election and the future of reproductive rights in Virginia. Tune in for this insightful conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE

[1:29] Welcome to Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker.

[2:01] Delegate Bennett-Parker’s involvement in food-based nonprofits, where this interest came from, and its role in her policy-making.

[3:36] The Food Crop Tax Credit bill that the Delegate passed.

[5:08] Her efforts to expand benefits for senior citizens and K-12 students.

[6:39] Virginia’s alcohol prohibition for formerly incarcerated food industry employees and efforts to lift it.

[9:01] How Virginians work across the aisle to pass bills, and how Delegate Bennett-Parker works to promote legislation.

[11:45] Part-time legislature and Bennett-Parker’s experience managing the legislative session.

[13:04] What inspired her to run for office and what her experience was like.

[17:12] The state of Virginia heading into 2024.

[18:58] Top issues on Virginians’ minds this November.

[20:11] Serving the community as a new mother and policies that would make elected office more accessible for new parents.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval on Taking Big Policy Swings

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty is joined by Cincinnati’s first Asian American Mayor, Aftab Pureval, who talks about his vision to make Cincinnati the city of the future by taking “big policy swings.” They delve into Pureval’s major victories so far, such as his efforts to eliminate $1.4 million in medical debt for 30,000 residents, establish a baby bonds program, and start a pilot for universal basic income. In addition, Pureval describes his political journey, including how he leveraged his diverse background to lead a successful mayoral campaign. Tune in to hear Mayor Pureval reflect on the challenges of leading a blue city in an increasingly red state, as well as the lessons he took from the nationally-watched constitutional amendment vote in Ohio this summer.

IN THIS EPISODE

[1:05] Get to know today’s guest, Cincinnati Mayor, Aftab Pureval.

[2:12] How a successful sports franchise can boost morale.

[4:27] Why Mayor Pureval is so excited about Cincinnati’s potential.

[4:27] An overview of the plans for the Brent Spence Bridge, the poster child for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

[6:13] The work being done to address racial and historic inequities in Cincinnati.

[6:53] A rundown of the factors driving uncertainty in American cities.

[7:37] Cincinnati’s climate resilience and how they are preparing for expected population growth.

[9:05] Working in the private sector and what this taught Mayor Pureval about innovation, risk, and failure.

[9:51] How he is convincing people to get behind his big swings for the city.

[12:27]The big swings, policy initiatives, and changes that the mayor is most excited about.

[13:53] Steps being taken to address historic segregation and redesign the city.

[18:46] The Pureval family’s journey from Tibetan refugees to elected official within one generation.

[21:27] How Mayor Pureval approached his campaigns as someone who is part of a minority group.

[23:56] Leading a blue city in an increasingly red state and how this impacts governance.

[28:30] How to spend 24 hours in Cincinnati: sporting, entertainment, and restaurant opportunities!

Mayor Lee Harris Breaks Down Barriers in Shelby County

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Mayor Lee Harris from Shelby County, TN. Harris was first elected Mayor in 2018 and previously served his community on the Memphis City Council and as a state senator. Debbie and Harris talk about the impact of Tennessee’s dramatic and nationally watched state legislative session, as well as the state’s debates on gun safety, including the statewide adoption of Shelby County’s safe-gun-storage program. They also discuss some of the Mayor’s innovative initiatives, like his “Work to Break the Cycle” program, which provides job opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals, and the county’s mission to reduce barriers to quality healthcare for all residents. Harris also explains how federal funds have catalyzed significant improvements in Shelby County programs and how those funding streams have improved under the Biden administration. Tune in to learn how Harris brings together his career in advocacy and his love for his community to lead Shelby County and create models for good government that are relevant across the country.

IN THIS EPISODE

[1:03] A warm welcome to long-time NewDEAL leader and Shelby County, TN Mayor, Lee Harris.

[2:43] Mayor Lee explains the current state of politics in Tennessee, especially about gun violence.

[6:02] Fixing the mismatch between the desires of elected officials and the will of the people.

[7:55] Safe gun storage, criminal justice reforms, and other Shelby County initiatives.

[13:17] Why Mayor Lee and his team are focused on expanding access and breaking down barriers.

[18:39] His plans for improving healthcare in his county and state.

[23:25] The role of the Federal Government in funding Shelby County’s various initiatives.

[26:57] Going back through Mayor Lee’s professional journey and how he landed in his current role.

[28:41] What drove him to politics: the need to make a difference.

[30:43] His advice for those who want to be an advocate for better living conditions in their area.

Delegate Irene Shin on the Power of Public Policy

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Virginia State Delegate Irene Shin. They discuss her path to public office, the split partisan composition of the state, and how she aims to bring a fresh perspective and energy into her work to create a more inclusive democracy. Shin comments on the challenges of serving in a part-time legislature and the issues unique to governing in Virginia, as well as her decision to take on an incumbent in a primary. The conversation also touches on Shin’s efforts outside the legislature, including as Executive Director of the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, and her time working for Vice-President Kamala Harris, underscoring the Delegate’s lifelong passion for public policy and creating a more equitable society. Tune in to learn what motivates Delegate Shin and hear more about her mission to make Virginia a top state for business.

IN THIS EPISODE

(0:02:49) Irene talks about legislating in a divided state.

(0:04:55)Thoughts on the prospects of winning back the house for the Democrats.

(0:07:37) A look back at Irene’s path to working in public policy and office, and the important early steps on this journey.

(0:11:19) How Irene got elected and her reflections on the process.

(0:15:12) The biggest challenges of working within a part-time legislature.

(0:17:28) Rethinking the legislature and who it serves; Irene shares why Virginia needs to move forward.

(0:24:18) Irene’s experiences of her identity in the context of Virginia and its history.

(0:30:28) ‘Divisive’ subjects in US history and some of the hurdles that these have posed for Irene.

(0:33:53) Economic initiatives in Virginia that have supported working families and businesses.

Celebrating 200 Episodes: DNC Chair Jaime Harrison on 2024 and the Party’s Future

We’re celebrating our fifth anniversary and our 200th episode of An Honorable Profession! Thank you to our listeners for being a part of this journey – we look forward to many more years of introducing you to inspiring leaders from across the country who are solving problems and making a difference.

In this special episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty are joined by Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, who shares his remarkable journey into politics and his vision for growing the Democratic Party. They discuss the outlook for and importance of the 2024 election, including the role of state and local leaders in showing how Democrats can deliver tangible results, how the Biden-Harris Administration has beaten the odds, and what the party is doing to defend democracy and combat voter suppression efforts nationwide. Tune in to learn more about why Harrison is hopeful for the future and his advice to young people looking to pursue a career in public service and elected office.