Preventing Authoritarianism

Preventing Authoritarianism A conversation with Susan Rice The United States constitutional order is in a fragile state—but it’s not too late to save our democracy. From her tenure as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to her service as White House national security advisor and domestic policy advisor in the Obama and Biden administrations, Susan […]

Democracy After the Algorithm

Democracy After the Algorithm How to win the next media war One of the most powerful tools we have to fight injustice is technology when used to shed light, spread information, and bring our communities together. In Minneapolis and across the country, we’ve seen people from all walks of life witness wrongdoing perpetrated by our […]

The Missing Liberal Story

The Missing Liberal Story A void has opened in American political consciousness. It’s time to abandon cautious messaging and develop an authentic narrative that voters can believe in. Presidential elections offer the winner a chance to implement a new vision and set the country on a different course. With Donald Trump’s victory in 2016, the […]

Renewal to the Core

Renewal to the Core Renewal won’t come from entrenched elites. It will come from the outside in. And states are the best place to start. For years, poor and middle-class Americans lived by the aphorism that they saw themselves as not rich—yet. They believed in their own shot at upward mobility. That optimism was a […]

Avoiding The Immigration Trap

Avoiding The Immigration Trap The tragic and avoidable killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by personnel from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—followed by the Trump administration’s rush to condemn the victims and undermine any investigation into these cases—are an outrageous assault on our democracy and law and order. As someone who […]

Federalism as a Style of Combat

Federalism as a Style of Combat Traditional federalism concerns procedures and norms. As the Trump administration and red states engage in asymmetrical war, it’s become a necessary means for consolidating power. Over the past year, President Trump and his allies have enriched themselves and entrenched their power—all while locking out (or seeking to lock up) […]

A Service Program Made for these Fragmented Times

A Service Program Made for these Fragmented Times Why states should lead the effort of enlisting young workers with a Civic Job Guarantee. America turns 250 this year, and the state of our union is bleak. Trust in the federal government has flatlined at just above 20% for decades. Partisan polarization has hardened into mutual […]

The Case for Open Discourse

The Case for Open Discourse As the Trump administration attempts to place ideological controls on speech, education, and journalism, states have a potent role to play in advocating for the First Amendment Free speech is under assault. The First Amendment, a bedrock of American democracy, is cracking beneath the weight of an administration that seeks […]

Firebreak Federalism

Firebreak Federalism The U.S. Constitution gives states the responsibility—and the tools—to counteract federal overreach In January, the Century Foundation published the United States Democracy Meter, a new tool for assessing the health of our democratic system. Comparing the state of our institutions between 2024 and 2025, the report explained that “democratic collapse has already occurred” […]

Liberalism and Patriotism

Liberalism and Patriotism For decades, liberals have conceded “love of country” to conservatives. It’s time to align their values with a renewed sense of national pride and unity. It is hard to convince people to vote for you when they believe you don’t love your country. Fair or not, the perception that liberals are insufficiently […]