A Publication of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs

Bipartisan Policy Review

Message from the Director 5 Representative Steve Israel

Restoring Respect, Confidence and Efficacy in Our Republic: The Federal, State, and Private Sector 10 Ambassador Tim Roemer & Representative Zach Wamp

Democracy Means Accepting Loss Professor Suzanne Mettler & Professor Robert Lieberman 14 ...and more

February 2021 Bipartisan Policy Review January 2021

Message from the Director Representative Steve Israel 5

Restoring the “Watchful Eye”: Investigative Oversight and Checks and Balances 8 Professor Douglas Kriner

Restoring Respect, Confidence and Efficacy in Our Republic: The Federal, State, and Private Sector Roles 10 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs Ambassador Tim Roemer & Representative Zach Wamp Mission Statement Protecting Our Democracy After Trump Representative Adam Schiff 12 Today, politics is more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than ever before, yet we continue applying the salve of soundbites. Democracy Means Accepting Loss Our mission is to raise the discourse and deepen people’s Professor Suzanne Mettler & Professor Robert Lieberman 14 understanding of both domestic and international affairs. Three Proposals to Strengthen American Democracy The Institute of Politics and Global Affairs hosts world-class Representative Tom Coleman 16 programs—in New York City, Ithaca, Washington, and international locales—with leaders from the United States and abroad. These Testimony to House Intelligence Committee programs provide opportunities for enriched understanding of His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen 18 political content in our contemporary societies. Our Democracy is not Invincible The institute actively strives to build connections among Cornell Representative Steve Israel & Representative Susan Molinari 19 University faculty, students, alumni, and policymakers while simultaneously engaging supporters, partners, and the general public. Improving Our Democracy One Conversation at a Time Ms. Jessica Carpenter & Mr. Manu Meel 20 For additional information visit iopga.cornell.edu or email Natalie Ryan at [email protected] IOPGA Events Calendar Spring 2021 23 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

Sponsorship A Message from the Director

Board of Founders of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs Richard Ravitch, de facto chairman Ira D. Riklis Welcome to the second edition of the Bipartisan Policy Review (BPR)—produced by the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs (IOPGA) at Cornell University. Wendy Abrams Marcia Riklis

Michael L. Ashner Henry Schein Inc. This effort has never been more important. In 16 years as a Member of Congress, I never saw the rampage through the Capitol that we witnessed on January 6th. I did, however, observe a concerning increase in polarization and Bethpage Federal Credit Union Martin and Laurie Scheinman partisanship. When I arrived in Congress in 2001, compromise was still valued. By the time I left, it was largely vilified. CANA Foundation Bernard Schwartz

Frederic R. Coudert Foundation Andrew Tisch The BPR’s mission is to give voice to policy innovations that are often drowned out in the partisan echo chamber. Each issue features innovative ideas by Democratic and Republican Members of Congress and academic experts. Howard Milstein The publication is a platform for consensus-building. Our pages are common ground and don’t include the usual partisan sniping or soundbites you read or hear elsewhere.

Honorary Editorial Advisory Committee In this issue, we explore the state of democracy, a topic that has consumed wide attention in books, newspapers, Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Representative William Enyart (D-IL) television news, and social media platforms in recent years, reaching a fever pitch earlier this month. After a mob stormed the nation’s capital in an attempt to overturn a fair and free election, it has left many in this country Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) wondering what’s next for our democracy. Have our democratic norms eroded beyond repair? Can there be bipartisan agreement on policies that strengthen the resilience of our democracy? Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman Representative Michael Ferguson (R-NJ)

Former Ambassador Tim Roemer Representative Chris Gibson (R-NY) The Campaign for the Future of Democracy (page 22) is a new institute undertaking. The campaign’s mission is to raise discourse and deepen understanding of domestic and international affairs by restoring faith in democratic Representative Brian Baird (D-WA) Representative Janice Hahn (D-CA) institutions. Representative Ron Barber (D-AZ) Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-MN) Finally, an appeal. If you consider a platform for bipartisan consensus to be refreshing and necessary, please Representative Melissa Bean (D-IL) Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) consider contributing by visiting our website, iopga.cornell.edu, or contacting Peter Narby at [email protected].

Representative Tim Bishop (D-NY) Representative Jim Leach (R-IA) On behalf of myself and Cornell University, I wish you a happy, healthy, and safe 2021. Representative Ben Chandler (D-KY) Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD)

Representative Tom Coleman (R-MO) Representative Chris Shays (R-CT)

Representative Ryan Costello (R-PA) Representative Betty Sutton (D-OH)

Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN)

Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Steve Israel Supporters of the Bipartisan Policy Review Member of Congress 2001–17 Broadridge Securities Processing Solutions LLC Daniel Lubetzky

Honeywell International Charity RXR Realty

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Douglas Kriner Thomas Coleman Douglas Kriner is The Clinton Rossiter Professor in American Institutions in the Department of Government Tom Coleman is a former eight-term Member of Congress from Missouri and government affairs professional and the faculty director of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University. His research and with forty years of experience in Washington, DC. Prior to his congressional service he was an assistant teaching interests focus on American political institutions and the separation of powers. He is the author attorney general of Missouri appointed by then Attorney General John C. Danforth. In 1972 he became the first of five books, including most recentlyThe Myth of the Imperial President: How Public Opinion Checks the Republican in the 150-year history of his home county to be elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. Unilateral Executive (University of Chicago Press 2020; with Dino Christenson) and Investigating the President: Congressional Checks on Presidential Power (Princeton University Press 2016; with Eric Schickler.

Tim Roemer & Zach Wamp Anders Fogh Rasmussen Tim Roemer, former U.S. Member of Congress, 9/11 Commissioner, and Ambassador to India, is Executive Anders Fogh Rasmussen has been at the center of European and global politics for over three decades as a Director and Strategic Counselor at APCO Worldwide. He works with clients on government relations and leading Danish parliamentarian, Danish Minister of Economic Affairs, Prime Minister of Denmark and, last provides strategic advice. With his background in international trade, education policy, and national security, but not least, as Secretary General of NATO. Upon leaving NATO, Mr. Rasmussen founded his strategic Ambassador Roemer is a trusted consensus-builder, problem solver, and international expert. advisory firm “Rasmussen Global,” which provides geopolitical and strategic consulting services. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, a non-profit organization for the advancement of Zach Wamp served in the House of Representatives for 16 years, representing Tennessee’s 3rd district. He democracy and free markets across the globe. served as the ranking member of the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Subcommittee and prior to that as the ranking member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, which he served on for 14 years. Zach helped establish the Department of Homeland Security and the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor. He signed discharge petitions and closed the debate on the House floor of the Jessica Carpenter & Manu Meel most significant political reform legislation in a generation. Jessica Carpenter is the Marketing Director at BridgeUSA. She is a senior at Arizona State University studying journalism and political science. She is also a member of the BridgeUSA chapter where she works on social They currently serve as co-chairs of Issue One’s Reformers Caucus, the largest bipartisan group of former media and event planning. Growing up in a one-way political leaning household, Jessica found Bridge as an members of Congress, governors, and Cabinet secretaries ever assembled to advocate for political reform. answer to understanding both sides of the political spectrum. She is passionate about finding solutions and understanding what motivates people to action.

Manu Meel is passionate about empowering and elevating the impact of young people. Currently, Manu serves Adam Schiff as the CEO of BridgeUSA, a national organization that is investing in the future of democracy. Through his work, Manu has contributed to several news outlets, advanced pro-democracy efforts nationally, and led the Congressman Adam Schiff represents California’s 28th Congressional District. In his 10th term in the House policy operation for a Baltimore mayoral candidate. In the past, Manu worked as an associate at the venture of Representatives, Schiff currently serves as the Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on capital firm Amplo and at the Department of State as a political analyst in counterterrorism. His work has Intelligence, which oversees the nation’s intelligence agencies. Schiff is on a leave of absence from the House been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media platforms. Appropriations Committee, where he remains an ex officio member.

Suzanne Mettler & Robert Lieberman Steve Israel & Susan Molinari Suzanne Mettler is the John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions in the Department of Government Former Congressman Steve Israel left Capitol Hill – unindicted and undefeated – to pursue a career as a at Cornell University. Her research and teaching interests include American political development, inequality, writer. In addition to writing two critically acclaimed satires of Washington, he heads the non-partisan public policy, political behavior, and democracy. Mettler has been elected to the American Academy of Arts Cornell University Institute of Politics and Global Affairs in New York City. Israel was a Member of Congress and Sciences and awarded Guggenheim and Radcliffe Fellowships. She serves on the steering committee of the for sixteen years. He left in 2017, having served as House Democrats chief political strategist between 2011- Scholars Strategy Network and the board of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences. She serves 2015 as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Israel is currently the Director as president of the Politics and History and Public Policy sections of the American Political Science Association. of the new nonpartisan Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University, the only academically- based institute of politics in the New York City metropolitan area. Robert Lieberman is Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. He studies American political development, race and American politics, and public policy. He has also written Susan Molinari has a wide-ranging background resulting from her multi-disciplined service in the Leadership extensively about the development of American democracy and the links between American and comparative of the United States Congress, as Vice President of Google’s Public Affairs for the Americas, as leader of multiple politics. He is a co-convener of the American Democracy Collaborative and chaired the American Political offices for international public affairs and lobbying giant Omnicom, and as a respected media communicator Science Association Task Force on New Partnerships. He has received fellowships from the Russell Sage on multiple networks. Susan is presently a member of New York City based Protiviti Consulting’s Advisory Foundation and the American Philosophical Society. In 2021, he will be the John G. Winant Visiting Professor Board, Washington DC based APCO Worldwide International Advisory Board, and member of the boards of of Government at the University of Oxford. Harvard University Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School, the Trilateral Commission, American Action Network and the David Lynch Foundation. Having been elected from a New York City-based district five times to Congress, Susan was quickly elevated by House Republicans who twice elected her as one of just eight Members toserve in the Leadership of the first GOP Majority in 40 years.

6 7 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

Restoring the Watchful Eye: Investigative Oversight policy more indirectly by lowering a president’s reserve of bolster capacity to enforce congressional subpoenas. The political capital. current judicial process, on which almost all contemporary and Checks and Balances enforcement efforts rely, is so slow and cumbersome that it Precisely because it can be so effective, all presidents Professor Douglas Kriner effectively neuters the force of subpoenas. This process could have chafed against congressional oversight and requests be streamlined, and provisions made for expedited judicial for information to varying degrees. During the very first review. Seemingly no matter where you look, there are warning signs In his farewell speech to the Senate, Harry Truman, who built congressional investigation, George Washington and his that American democracy is in crisis. Scholars and political his national reputation more by investigating than legislating, cabinet debated whether Congress even had the right to Moreover, reforms should strengthen the sanctioning power analysts alike have offered no shortage of diagnoses for what emphasized the primacy of Congress’s investigative power. request documents from the administration at all (in this for those who persist in defying a legitimately executed ails the contemporary polity. The “tribalization” of American “The manner in which the power is exercised,” he argued, “will case, into the massacre of American troops under St. Clair), subpoena. Alternately, reforms could go even further and politics has caused many voters, even those only tangentially largely determine the position and prestige of the Congress in and if so, whether the administration was duty-bound to strengthen Congress’s institutional capacity to enforce its engaged with the substance of politics and policy, to identify the future.” contempt powers independent of seeking judicial redress. as members of warring camps, incentivizing political combat While a radical departure from recent practice, important rather than compromise. In the aftermath of Watergate, the great historian Arthur historical precedents exist. Schlesinger, who just two years prior had coined the phrase Investigations have played key Partisan polarization in Washington has caused routine “imperial presidency,” argued Truman “could have gone roles in triggering the passage of Second, Congress should act legislatively to protect inspectors gridlock. The resulting inability to address core public policy further” and that Congress’s exercise of the investigative major reform legislation. general from political interference, restoring the intent of the concerns has contributed to a further erosion of public power would determine “whether the problem posed in the Inspector General Act of 1978 that IGs be independent and trust in governing institutions and the political process 51st Federalist can be satisfactorily answered—whether the objective. This is essential to ensuring that inspectors general itself. An important component of most jeremiads echoes constitutional order will, in the end, oblige the American comply. Ultimately, Washington articulated, even if he did not can carry out their mission of rooting out waste, fraud, and that of previous generations: an expansion of presidential government to control itself.” assert, the idea of executive privilege. He turned over all of abuse and alerting Congress to problem areas that require power—reflecting a rising tide of authoritarianism that has intervention and rigorous oversight. Investigations work by shining a light on alleged executive the requested documents while declaring the executive’s right buffeted many other western democracies—that threatens to in future cases to withhold information that might endanger misconduct in full public view, thereby changing the political These and related reforms are critically important. They overwhelm our system of Madisonian checks and balances. public security. calculus on the ground. Sometimes, this spurs Congress to act. will strengthen Congress’s ability to serve as a check on an These concerns echo the “imperial presidency” thesis of the Investigations have played key roles in triggering the passage However, Congress’s broad investigative power has been executive branch that is hardwired to increase its power— early 1970s, and its antecedents reach back further still to the of major reform legislation, including the Foreign Intelligence repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court. Perhaps most just as Madison and Hamilton anticipated. More mundanely, ratification debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists Surveillance Act, campaign finance reform, and the Detainee importantly, in a pair of cases stemming from the Teapot but just as significantly, they will strengthen the capacity over the resilience or fragility of the constitutional safeguards Treatment Act. More broadly, research analyzing decades of Dome scandal (McGrain v. Daugherty and Sinclair v. the of the people’s elected officials to oversee the exercise of against executive aggrandizement. Presidential power has data on investigative oversight hearings and public opinion United States), the Court recognized the investigative power delegated authority by unelected bureaucrats in the executive unambiguously expanded over time, particularly since the shows that investigations systematically erode public support as essential to the discharge of Congress’s constitutional departments and agencies. And now, following a partisan shift New Deal and the rise of the modern administrative state. for the president. In some contexts, this can lead presidents to duties: “the power of inquiry—with process to enforce it—is an in control of the White House, is the time for action. However, throughout American history, Congress’s power make concessions in the face of congressional pushback—both essential and appropriate auxiliary of the legislative function.” of investigative oversight has provided a critically important real and anticipated—to ward off further costly congressional Over the past twenty years, frustration has mounted on check on executive overreach. challenges. In others, investigations influence politics and Today, this critically important check, which has loomed so both sides of the aisle as administrations have resisted to large for over two hundred years of congressional history, varying degrees congressional oversight efforts. Federalist is under an unprecedented assault. The last two years have 51 envisioned a system where actors would see their power featured an unparalleled level of executive obstruction with stakes as tied to those of their institution: “The interest of scores of officials refusing to testify, blanket refusals to turn the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of over any and all requested documents, and a systematic place.” Partisan loyalties eclipse institutional ones too often, flouting of congressional subpoenas. Simultaneously, scuttling the bipartisan cooperation essential to strengthening inspectors general (IGs), the “eyes and ears” of Congress Congress’s institutional capacity. The current partisan throughout the government, were under a parallel assault shift in administration is a significant opportunity for those with extraordinary attempts to fire IGs who showed too much who bristled at the unprecedented obstruction of the last independence and politicized an office explicitly designed to administration to unite with those who seek a greater check be politically neutral. over the incoming one to repair the deficiencies that threaten this core legislative power. Investigations work precisely because of their highly public nature. If Congress cannot access information, it cannot Restoring congressional oversight powers will certainly not fix shine a light on executive branch activities and build all that ails us as a country. However, by making a government political pressure for change. A permanent weakening of the that works better, and that is more accountable, it could begin investigative check could have lasting and broad ramifications to combat popular cynicism with government and restore for the constitutional balance of power. public faith in the vibrancy of our democratic institutions.

But all is not lost. There are important steps that Congress can take on a bipartisan basis to reinvigorate this vital check. Two, in particular, stand out. First, Congress must act to

8 9 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

elections are the responsibility of the respective states, we Restoring Respect, Confidence and Efficacy in Our should recommend national standards for when ballots are counted and how registered voters can request absentee ballots Republic: The Federal, State, and Private Sector Roles during a pandemic or whenever voting in person is challenging. Ambassador Tim Roemer (D-IN) & Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN)

The 2020 elections contained good news and bad news for and toxic to our political and social relationships. This path is This election also brought to light America. The good news is that we successfully carried out unsustainable and dangerous. some issues that Congress should an election during a health pandemic with record turnout work towards solving, including and virtually no fraud or foreign interference. Representative These deep divisions are why we joined more than 40 political, democracy worked. The bad news is that an American government, and civic leaders to create the bipartisan National delayed vote counting and an president threatened the peaceful transfer of power, added Council on Election Integrity, part of Issue One’s Count Every imperfect voter registration system. to the growing mistrust people have in their government Vote campaign, to uphold the credibility of our elections and institutions and deepened the divide between red and blue to ensure they were safe, secure, and fair this year. We were States have displayed remarkable progress in passing America. While these were trends largely in progress before heartened by the support these cross-partisan efforts received substantial election reforms over the past several years, Trump’s election in 20161, he fed them steroids. We need to when our democratic process faced unprecedented challenges from ethics laws to small donor empowerment programs, to build on this election’s positive outcomes, motivate states to and stresses. referendums improving transparency on money races. Reforms continue to improve their election systems and find ways to On top of this warm response to our work to defend our need to accelerate and even create competition between states restore trust and confidence between disparate voters. elections’ integrity, there is even more reason to be hopeful to improve their electoral safeguards and early voting systems. Elected officials must respond to this pernicious threat to our about restoring the public’s faith in our government and Further, Congress and the Biden administration must country2. Locally based citizen groups, the private sector, state- our institutions—there is precedent for change. After the implement more fundamental changes. We must create inspired reform movements, and national legislative efforts Watergate scandal rocked the country in the 1970s, the public need to act now, our local citizens need to engage in respectful programs to strengthen American democracy and create a more should all work together to heal and renew our republic. The lost faith in our institutions. In the two months after they and heartfelt conversations with one another, and our private unified United States. Programs would create national service current lack of faith in our democracy and institutions creates learned of the scandal, public trust in the government dropped sector needs to lead efforts for civic engagement and improve 5 opportunities, educate and inform young people about their a “House divided against itself.” We must start addressing the from 53 percent to 36 percent . To address the fallout from the civic education. America’s bright light and beacon of hope may government and civic duties, and involve the private sector in deep-seated divisions in our nation by placing country over Nixon administration, Congress passed sweeping reforms to have slightly dimmed, but there are plenty of ideas and people their responsibilities for improving citizen participation. In party. As former members of Congress and co-chairs of Issue restore public faith and ensure the American people regained committed to restoring our leadership in the world. focusing on these goals, we can improve civic engagement and One’s ReFormers Caucus—a group of more than 200 former confidence in our government. In the years directly following the effectiveness of institutions at all levels and strengthen our — members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and governors united President Nixon’s resignation, Congress reformed both the ability to be a unified and interconnected nation. [1] Michael Dimock and Richard Wike, “America Is Exceptional in the Nature of around our shared mission to fix our broken political system. Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Election Campaign Its Political Divide,” Pew Research Center (Pew Research Center, November 13, Act. Additionally, they passed the Sunshine Act of 1976 and the 2020), https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/11/13/america-is-exceptional- We believe Congress must also act to revive the American Issue One has already begun advocating for systematic Ethics of Government Act of 1978 to lay the groundwork for in-the-nature-of-its-political-divide/. people’s trust in government institutions, strengthen Article bipartisan reforms to rebuild government institutions and government ethics. Today, 97 percent of Americans believe [2] “A Proclamation by the General Court [19 January 1776],” Adams Papers I provisions for Congress, and pass systemic bipartisan public faith in our democracy. We have found bipartisan - Digital Edition (Massachusetts Historical Society), http://www.masshist.org/ that members of Congress behave unethically6. Elected government reforms. support for many necessary reforms, including reforming publications/adams-papers/index.php/view/ADMS-06-03-02-0195-0005. officials can—and must—learn from the response to the Nixon [3] “Ahead of 2020 Election and Amid Multiple Crises, Trump and Biden the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and amending the administration’s unethical conduct and pass new reforms that Supporters See Different Realities and Futures for the Nation,” PRRI, October Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA). Upholding the country’s 19, 2020, https://www.prri.org/press-release/ahead-of-2020-election-and-amid- would allow the federal government to earn back the public’s Congress must also act to revive campaign finance laws and updating the rules and regulations multiple-crises-trump-and-biden-supporters-see-different-realities-and-futures- trust. for-the-nation/. regarding lobbying activity will put us one step closer to the American people’s trust in [4] Ibid. restoring our broken democracy. Finally, we will advocate government institutions, strengthen The American people still believe in the merits of representative [5] “Public Trust in Government: 1958-2019,” Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics democracy. Over 85 percent of supporters for both Biden and for a congressionally created national commission, along the & Policy (Pew Research Center, May 30, 2020), https://www.pewresearch.org/ Article I provisions for Congress, Trump stated that their preferred candidate should focus on lines of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, to study and make politics/2019/04/11/public-trust-in-government-1958-2019/. recommendations for improving our elections, building [6] “Why Americans Don’t Fully Trust Many Who Hold Positions of Power and and pass systemic bipartisan serving all Americans, “even if it means disappointing some Responsibility,” Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics & Policy (Pew Research 7 confidence in democratic institutions, helping to inculcate government reforms. of his supporters.” These numbers illustrate that while there Center, August 17, 2020), https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/09/19/ is a strong partisan divide, there is still a desire to uphold fairness and facts into our media and journalism, and bringing why-americans-dont-fully-trust-many-who-hold-positions-of-power-and- the democratic values of our political system by making sure about more civil political discourse for our citizens. responsibility/. [7] Michael Dimock and Richard Wike, “America Is Exceptional in the Nature of elected officials represent all Americans regardless of party — The past few years have illustrated an increasing schism It is time to initiate meaningful change that produces bipartisan Its Political Divide,” Pew Research Center (Pew Research Center, November 13, between Democrats and Republicans on a variety of issues, a measure that proves not all is lost. 2020), https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/11/13/america-is-exceptional- reforms focused on the problems faced by all Americans. Even in-the-nature-of-its-political-divide/. including the economy, racial inequality, and the approach to To begin healing our fractured nation, Congress should take now, as the votes have been counted and states have certified [8] Victoria Bekiempis, “70% Of Republicans Say Election Wasn’t ‘Free and the pandemic. The nation is fractured, and this fissure threatens steps to identify ways to strengthen election protections. The election results, a large swath of Americans do not believe Fair’ despite No Evidence of Fraud – Study,” The Guardian (Guardian News and the foundation of our democratic republic — our elections. In the election was free and fair despite all evidence proving Media, November 10, 2020), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/10/ 2020 election ran remarkably smoothly, particularly given the election-trust-polling-study-republicans. a poll conducted shortly before the 2020 presidential election, 8 extraordinary circumstances of voting during a pandemic. otherwise . The Trump Administration’s Homeland Security 78 percent of Democrats said that racists had taken over the [9] “Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating However, this election also brought to light some issues that Department said, “the November 3rd election was the most Council & the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating Executive Republican Party3. Similarly, 81 percent of Republicans said Congress should work towards solving, including delayed vote secure in American history,” yet this has done little to encourage Committees,” Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, that socialists had taken over the Democratic Party4. These 9 November 12, 2020), https://www.cisa.gov/news/2020/11/12/joint-statement- counting and an imperfect voter registration system. While faith in the democratic process . Our elected representatives types of opinions about our fellow Americans are both vile elections-infrastructure-government-coordinating-council-election.

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Protecting Our Democracy after Trump Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA)

In the years following the Watergate scandal, Congress enacted comprehensive reforms to prevent presidential abuses, restore a series of landmark reforms to protect our democracy and our system of checks and balances, strengthen accountability restore Americans’ faith in their government. Those reforms— and transparency, and protect our elections. These reforms to strengthen transparency and ethics in government, might take time to enact, but they will ensure no president, enhance congressional oversight, and place significant limits Democrat or Republican, can engage in the same destructive on campaign spending and presidential powers—have stood course of conduct we have witnessed over the last four years. the test of time. Though some presidents have bridled at those laws, they have fundamentally abided by their limits for Here is what the Protecting Our Democracy Act will do. almost fifty years. First, we will codify certain norms into law by requiring that Until President Donald J. Trump. the Department of Justice provide materials to Congress concerning any self-serving pardon or commutation in cases involving presidents or their relatives, contempt of Congress, or obstruction of Congress. This will serve as a powerful check “Trump abused the powers of his on a president seeking to use the pardon power corruptly. office to benefit himself, at great The bill also suspends statutes of limitations for any federal cost to the American people and offense committed by a sitting president or vice president, whether it took place before or during their terms in office, our democracy.” to ensure that future presidents cannot “run out the clock” to avoid accountability. The measure confirms that a president lacks the power to pardon themself. Since taking office, Trump has eroded transparency and sought to end accountability for the executive branch from both the Second, we will restore our system of checks and balances Congress and the courts. Trump has abused the pardon power and strengthen accountability and transparency. Trump to protect those who have lied on his behalf, used his office to has obstructed congressional oversight by stonewalling all enrich himself and his family, sought to use the Department of subpoenas. Nearly two years after first subpoenaing the White Justice to target those on his enemies list, and violated federal House Counsel for critical testimony, there is still no final court law by making use of public resources for his reelection ruling to enforce that subpoena, meaning that the campaign campaign. And, Trump sought foreign interference in our of obstruction has succeeded. The Protecting Our Democracy election to help smear now President-Elect Biden, an abuse of Act will strengthen Congress’s tools to expeditiously enforce power for which he was impeached. subpoenas in court and levy fines—similar to the inherent contempt powers Congress has not used in over a century. In short, Trump abused the powers of his office to benefit It will also enhance foundational budget laws, such as the himself, at great cost to the American people and our democracy. Impoundment Control Act, by adding meaningful reporting justice system by requiring the reporting of communications enforcement. Furthermore, it clarifies that the definition of a requirements and improving congressional oversight. between the Department of Justice and the White House; “thing of value” in the Federal Election Campaign Act includes Even though he decisively lost his bid for reelection, Trump create new prohibitions on firing of inspectors general; grant derogatory information sought or obtained for political has been determined to tear down additional pillars of our Third, we will reclaim Congress’s power of the purse from an whistleblowers the right to sue in court if they are publicly advantage, such as opposition research. To bolster compliance, democracy on his way out the door—refusing to concede overzealous executive branch, increase transparency around identified; amend the qualification requirements for acting this bill enhances criminal penalties for violations and requires and inhibiting a peaceful transition of power, spreading government spending, and ensure there are consequences officials of executive agencies and limit that political campaigns certify that they misinformation, and doing lasting harm to the legitimacy of our to deter the misuse of taxpayer funds. We will prevent the their tenure to 120 days; and strengthen understand the prohibition. democracy and our standing in the eyes of the rest of the world. executive branch from using nonpublic documents or secret the penalties for Hatch Act violations for We have withstood legal opinions to circumvent Congress and unilaterally senior political appointees. We will also Collectively, this set of reforms would be The ease with which Trump was able to break down these implement its agenda behind closed doors. We will also provide an enforcement mechanism for serious challenges the most comprehensive since Watergate. democratic guardrails, and the extraordinary degree to which impose new limits on presidential declarations of emergencies violations of the emoluments clauses, before, and we will do Although these measures are based on members of his own party in Congress enabled those abuses, and any powers triggered by such declarations and require the increasing penalties, and enhancing so again. actions we have witnessed over the last is a potent reminder that our democracy is not assured, and president to provide all documents regarding presidential financial disclosure requirements. four years, they are designed to protect the neither is it self-effectuating. Instead, we must take significant emergency actions to Congress. country going forward, and I hope that they steps to strengthen the norms of office with new laws and Finally, the Protecting Our Democracy Act will help protect will enjoy bipartisan support in the new session of Congress. enforcement methods. Fourth, we will strengthen the safeguards meant to keep our elections from foreign interference and influence. The American democracy is resilient. We have withstood serious public officials from using their positions to benefit the bill would require that all campaigns report offers of help challenges before, and we will do so again. The Protecting Our That is why, along with many of my fellow House Democratic president politically or personally or punish his political from foreign governments and foreign political parties to law Democracy Act will help. committee chairs, I drafted and introduced a series of opponents. We will strengthen the independence of the

12 13 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

Democracy Means Accepting Loss In the months afterward, the Democrats took steps to make their power permanent. They amended the state’s constitution Professor Suzanne Mettler & Professor Robert C. Lieberman to impose poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures that would disenfranchise nearly all African Americans and some poor whites. Democracy is on the brink—but not for the first time in America’s history. The flagrant takeover by party leaders in North Carolina Secession in the 1860s. Seizures of power across the south in the 1890s. Lawsuits and occurred more quietly all over the South during the 1890s, misinformation in 1960. These crises of the past hold lessons for today. as Democrats in each state seized power. They facilitated sweeping and egregious democracy backsliding, eradicating African Americans’ political rights, and soon their civil liberties and civil rights as well. Autocratic one party rule It is tempting to characterize the recent violent attack on lawsuits, and misinformation—a harbinger, perhaps, of both and American apartheid endured in the region for decades to the U.S. Capitol as an unprecedented assault on America’s his own more successful election chicanery later on and come. All three branches of the federal government condoned democracy. Certainly it epitomized the disaster that can Trump’s flailing and sputtering in 2020. ensue from years plagued by a politics of division, dangerous rhetoric, and the erosion of facts. It illustrated what can More alarming still was the challenge to Abraham Lincoln’s transpire when political leaders refuse to acknowledge their clear and decisive victory in 1860. Over the previous decade, At the very peak of this effort was loss in an election and instead renounce the democratic the Southern slave holding states witnessed their political process. But for this nation that has endured nearly 250 years, power declining while anti-slavery forces were ascendant. President Trump, whose incitement the assault on democracy that we’ve witnessed—while unique When Lincoln, who opposed slavery, won, they refused to of the Capitol insurrection led to his in time and place—is not new. accept his victory. Rather than merely challenge the election unprecedented second impeachment results, though, these states took an even more extreme It is a far cry from politics of just a few decades ago. President election-negating step: secession, and ultimately civil war. by the House of Representatives. George H.W. Bush famously left a gracious hand-written note in the Oval Office for Bill Clinton, who had defeated him. Later in the 19th century, multiracial democracy seemed to If any recent presidential candidate had reason to deny his be on the rise in the American South. Even after the demise these developments, and racial segregation took hold in the loss, it was Al Gore in 2000. After a dead heat in Florida, of Reconstruction, recently enfranchised African Americans military and civil service as well. voted at high levels in many states and ran for office as Republicans. In the 1890s, in some states they joined forces On January 6, 2020, as in North Carolina in 1898, an angry with lower- and middle-income whites in the insurgent mob of mostly white men tried to use raw power to reverse But for this nation that has endured agrarian Populist Party, and managed to beat Democrats, the election results. Unlike their predecessors in Wilmington, nearly 250 years, the assault on party run by white elites. this time they took on nothing less than the US Capitol. But now as in the Gilded Age, their uprising was no mere democracy that we’ve witnessed— In North Carolina, victories by this “fusionist” alliance were grassroots rebellion. To the contrary, they were mobilized by while unique in this time and place— too much for the Democratic Party leaders to accept. They political leaders, elites unwilling to face their electoral losses, is not new. decided they’d had enough of political competition and began who used racism and nativism to stoke insurrection among to plot their way back to power. In 1898, they carried out a their supporters. At the very peak of this effort was President white supremacist campaign statewide to bring white voters Trump, whose incitement of the Capitol insurrection led to back into the fold, luring them away from the Populists. They his unprecedented second impeachment by the House of a recount ensued, but the Supreme Court stopped it and organized paramilitary groups of men who roamed Black Representatives. declared George W. Bush the winner. Yet Gore managed grace neighborhoods on horseback, intimidating people. in defeat. “While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing This year, the insurrectionists failed, but we would do well beliefs,” he said in his concession speech, “there is a higher They focused their attention on Wilmington, a city with a to heed the ominous words one scrawled on a paper on a duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America growing Black middle class and a democratically elected desk in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office: “WE WILL NOT BACK and we put country before party.” By accepting loss, these multiracial government. On the morning of November 10, DOWN.” As long as Republican Party leaders continue to political leaders helped convey to the public how democracy nearly 2,000 white men gathered at the city armory and trade in falsehoods, deceiving their supporters about the works, showing us how to live up to its standards. marched straight to the offices of the Black-owned newspaper, election results, their followers will persist in trying to reverse the Daily Record, and set fire to the building. Next, they the outcome, and next time, they may prevail. The tragic truth, however, is that the actions of Donald Trump advanced into Black neighborhoods and killed hundreds and his lackeys have haunting precedents in American politics. of residents. They dragged prominent citizens from their Accepting defeat squarely and honestly is a mark of leadership, Sadly, they bear shocking resemblance to times in the American homes and forced them to leave town. That afternoon, the and it is what we should insist on from our leaders, in both past when partisans refused to accept loss and were willing to organizers of the massacre forced the mayor and members of parties. No one likes to lose an election, but democracy decimate democracy as they struggled to hold power. the board of alderman to resign at gunpoint and installed a requires adults, leaders who can face losses themselves and break the news to their supporters, and citizens who can In 1960, Richard Nixon unsuccessfully challenged his narrow hand-picked all-white government of their own. It was a coup accept the outcomes. When people cease to accept losses in loss to John F. Kennedy with a combination of recounts, d’état, American style. elections, democracy is over.

14 15 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

A 21st-Century Moonshot Necessary to Save a Three Proposals to Strengthen American Democracy Democracy at Risk Representative Tom Coleman (R-MO) In my opinion, Donald Trump has been the worst president in our nation’s history. His affinity for autocrats and dictators To promise democratic rights in writing, in law, or even in a constitutional document is not enough. around the world is one of his worst traits. Trump himself has The rights must be effectively enforced and effectively available to citizens in practice. If they are exhibited autocratic behavior to the very end of his presidency. Trump’s display of his autocratic tendencies should provide not, then to that extent, the political system is not democratic, despite what its rulers claim, and the Americans with a wake-up call. Because autocracy is the trappings of “democracy” are merely a façade for nondemocratic rule. ~ Robert A. Dahl, On Democracy antithesis of democracy, we must immediately take steps to assure voters will not easily be misled to permit the loss of our For the past four years, Americans have witnessed the breaking citizen, under these circumstances, be considered treasonous? democracy and their personal freedoms. of many democratic norms, a corrupt administration of historic As an elected official, I often found the general public was proportions, lies and distortions from their president, the belief Congress should review several analytical models that Trump’s categorical direction to members of his uninformed about relevant facts or too dependent on a single in and peddling of so-called “alternative facts,” impeachment international IT security experts have developed to assess administration—that no member of the executive branch source of “information” conveyed by traditional and social of the president for abuse of power, and the subjugation of the whether or not the damage caused by a cyberattack rises to should cooperate with the impeachment investigation—not media, leading to many individuals being unable to recognize rule of law. the level of an armed attack. One model is an “effects-based” only assured litigation but, more importantly, was also an unacceptable behavior—even criminal behavior—often approach that considers the overall effects and consequences effective stalling tactic. Until Donald Trump came along, Americans did not realize of a cyberattack on a victim state. For example, a cyber conducted in plain sight. how fragile their democracy was. There were many elements of manipulation of information across a state’s banking and Congress must address the flagrant abuse of a constitutionally If a large number of citizens do not understand that democracy our democracy we had simply taken for granted. To be blunt, financial institutions that significantly disrupts commerce prescribed process to assure that, in future litigation between requires certain fundamental rights or overtime withdraw their we must now rethink our democracy. Some elements need to would be viewed as an armed attack. the branches, the judicial system will not allow another support of the political, administrative, and judicial institutions be shored up, replaced, reevaluated, while newly discovered bedrock principle of American democracy to become lost in that safeguard these rights, then our democracy is in danger. gaps must be addressed. Our Trumpian experience will require Another model is one of “strict liability” that would the process—justice delayed is justice denied. automatically deem any cyberattack against a state’s critical some previously unwritten normative behavior codified into Traditionally, voters have not had to independently seek out national infrastructure to be an armed attack based on its It is wrong to require Congress to repeatedly undertake a law. In this article, I make three proposals, the first two of information on their own about various policy issues but have potential for severe consequences. patently flawed judicial process to assure our constitutional which break new ground. All require congressional action. I looked to the political party of their choice and its candidates checks and balances are not rendered obsolete. The current hope that our democracy is healthy enough to enact them. to provide it for them. Today, when our two major parties are Both of these models would conclude that Russia’s cyberattacks system produces a no-win situation for the rule of law. That undergoing a realignment with membership composed of new were acts of war. They significantly disrupted and damaged is why Congress should pass legislation creating a new type Congress Should Define Treasonous Behavior in and different voters with new and different political and policy our free and fair elections in an attempt to undermine the of federal court—one with exclusive jurisdiction over, and 21st-Century Terms beliefs, this is not a valid option. foundation of U.S. democracy. They were of sufficient scope, focused solely on, disputes between branches of the federal duration, and intensity to deem them armed attacks. In other Under the Constitution, an individual commits treason if the government. Voters are inundated with information delivered by the print words, the United States was placed in a state of war by a nation is at war, and the person provides aid and comfort to and electronic media and online social media platforms. The foreign nation. This special court of limited jurisdiction is particularly needed the enemy. This is an impeachable offense, committed by word latter is currently not regulated by the government, although to handle future instances where Congress is pursuing an or deed. that is now under discussion in Congress. This avalanche of It follows that an American citizen’s suspicious comments and impeachment. information may or may not provide a better understanding of Wars have been fought with boots on the ground, airplanes actions require scrutiny during such a time. If they give aid and comfort to the nationally sponsored cyber attacker, treason The legislation should require an expedited litigation process our government and its citizens’ role and responsibilities that in the sky, and ships on the high seas. While these forms of accompany it. warfare still exist, an increasing number of today’s wars are has been committed. allowing direct appeal of the court’s ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Considering the Constitutional aspects of its cases, the fought by high tech warriors aiming their digital attacks to hack To avoid the loss of our democracy, I believe the nation Congress should recognize this state of war by codifying it court should implement special rules of procedure, including public and private systems and misuse social media platforms. must embark on a program to ramp up the teaching of U.S. into law and providing a penalty sufficient to deter future U.S. consideration to spell out when it is appropriate for the new civic education. While public education is mostly a state citizens from cooperating with foreign cyber warriors. court to abandon the general rule that so-called “political During Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into responsibility, the federal government has a role to play. The questions” are beyond the purview of the federal courts. foreign interference in the 2016 elections, he indicted 13 U.S. Department of Education should assist in developing Russian operatives1 for waging a disinformation campaign A New Court for Settling Disputes between the Congress and the President Also, Congress should define the circumstances under which and funding new programs and materials. Students attending through our social media platforms. Under direction from the elementary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary Russian intelligence agency, the Russian operatives described a person has “standing” to bring a cause of action in this The litigation battle over having White House Counsel Don institutions would be recipients of this effort. their activity as “information warfare against the United States court. For example, would individual Members of Congress be McGahn testify before Congress was just the latest illustration provided standing separate and apart from the House, Senate, of America.” We should accept their characterization. We need a 21st-century moonshot to save a democracy at of how time-consuming interbranch litigation can be. A final or a congressional committee? risk—and we need it now! The question arises: were these Russian cyberattacks merely resolution usually comes many months or even years after Failure to adopt meaningful changes in this process will crimes on a massive scale, or, as cyber expert George Lucas the dispute started—with the political and governing process — concludes2, do they represent something different—acts continuing all the while. Any wrongdoing by a president and only invite more non-compliance by a president faced with [1] United States v Internet Research Agency LLC [and 15 Others], Defendants: of war? Moreover, if a state of war existed between the two his aides is allowed to continue unabated. A Congress lasts only lawful inquiries by Congress. To condone an administration’s Case 1:18-cr-00032-DLF. [Washington, D.C.]: United States District Court for the two years; unfortunately, this one ended January 3, 2021, before wrongdoing is to encourage more of it and to give up on the District of Columbia, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/file/1035477/download. nations, could the actions and comments of an American [2] George R. Lucas, Ethics and Cyber Warfare: The Quest for Responsible Security the House could obtain judicial enforcement of its subpoena. rule of law and our democracy. in the Age of Digital Warfare (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2017).

16 17 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

Uniting Against Autocracies: Testimony to House Intelligence Committee Our Democracy is Not Invincible His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) and Representative Susan Molinari (R-NY) Former NATO Secretary-General and Prime Minister of Denmark

Feb. 26, 2019: bullying its smaller neighbors in the South high-level strategic forum to those who One of us served as chairman of the Democratic Congressional have to remember why our founders fought for these ideals Chairman Schiff, Ranking Member Nunes, China Sea, bypassing international law, share a broad commitment to democracy Campaign Committee, and the other was vice chairwoman of democracy in the first place and rally to fight for them and esteemed Members of the Committee, and building its global economic footprint to discuss the most pressing issues of our of the House Republican Conference and of the Republican ourselves. without reciprocity. The economic giants time. I hope to see members of Congress Policy Committee. Both of us recruited and fundraised thank you for the invitation to offer my In other words, we need a full blown political campaign that thoughts for this hearing on Autocracy’s of China are synonymous with the state and this committee join us to reaffirm our for candidates. We worked with the best pollsters, media —challenging free trade. trust in global democracy. consultants, and political managers to defeat the other party. supports the basic principles for democracy and opposes Advance and Democracy’s Decline. its adversaries. This is not a slick marketing campaign that I witnessed the authoritarian turn in Russia Second, we must counter foreign meddling We learned how to spot the winning narrative, and we know I have dedicated my political life to when strategies are not working. Sadly, if democracy was one hides what is broken, but a political battle that gives the best promoting freedom and democracy and under Putin. in our elections and democratic institutions. candidates the attention they deserve. If democracy is under At the Alliance of Democracies, our flagship of our candidates today, we would conclude that it has an advocating for the benevolent force of a Russia does not only invade its neighbors uphill climb to credibility with voters. siege by foreign adversaries and trolls, it is political malpractice U.S.-led Western Alliance—an alliance that and poison its suspected adversaries; it also initiative is the Transatlantic Commission united to defeat the tyrannies of Nazism seeks to poison our democracies and media. on Election Integrity. A bipartisan It does not take an expert to realize that things are not great. and Communism. initiative, I am joined in it by Michael The number of Americans satisfied with democracy as a Over the past two years, foreign Chertoff and Joe Biden. Our mission is However, tyranny is once again waking interference has been detected in at least political system has fallen for the last decade. In 1995, over From gerrymandering to to raise public awareness of potential 75 percent of Americans reported that they were satisfied from its slumber. 10 elections and referendums on both sides threats from foreign powers and develop shaping of opinion by hostile of the Atlantic. This is a playbook that was with democracy, the University of Cambridge found, while Last year, my foundation, the Alliance new technologies to prevent the next this year, research found less than 50 percent of Americans foreign governments, we developed by Russia. generation of disinformation, such as deep of Democracies, produced the single reported that they are satisfied with democracy. For the first face legitimate threats to biggest international survey of attitudes According to a report by the French Ministry fake audio and video. We recently launched time on record, a majority of Americans are unsatisfied with towards democracy. It found that people of Foreign Affairs, Russia is responsible for a five-point election pledge calling on EU our process of electing leaders. our own political process. in autocracies are more satisfied with 80 percent of disinformation activities in candidates and political parties not to their governments than those living in Europe. Just last week, Microsoft detected actively or passively support efforts to As discontent with democracy increases, studies reveal democracies. efforts to phish European think tanks meddle in elections such as fabricating, more Americans warming to autocratic alternatives. Back using, and spreading false or fabricated It is high time for the world’s democracies servers, mirroring a similar effort detected in 1995, the World Values Survey asked Americans how to cede the message to them without fighting back. We need to documents, video, and audio. to come together and fight back against last year in the U.S. they felt about having military rule in this country. One in use all such skills we have to defend democracy from attacks, autocracy. And make no mistake—invading Crimea, Third, we need determined American 15 Americans reported they found it a very or fairly solid discredit those who are weakening our norms, and offer a global leadership. Whether you like it or prospect. However, when that study was replicated from 2017 If the free world fails to unite against the meddling in our elections, poisoning a better alternative message. not, America is the indispensable nation for to 2020, the number of Americans supporting military rule autocratic challenge, the personal and spy on the streets of England, hacking or the democratic world order. If the United skyrocketed to one in five. Some of the people who use scorched earth partisan strategies economic liberties that we often take for attacking our servers—these are part of Russia’s hybrid warfare. States retrenches, it leaves a vacuum filled to defeat each other have the skills to defend democracy. granted today will slowly but surely decline This should disturb us no matter which side of the political aisle by the bad guys. Then the United States will They are experts when it comes to figuring out what is wrong, in the coming years. What should we do to counter this we fall on. Our democracy is not invincible. So it is not out of be faced with stronger foes, weaker friends, having our attention, engaging our emotions, and directing our authoritarian surge? the reach that one day unelected military officials might make After the fall of communism, many people, and a more insecure world. America should actions. They know how to raise funds, run research, target policy choices, a civilian uprising might overthrow elected including myself, were hoping to see China First, we need to strengthen the spine of our not carry the burden alone. The other audiences, and conduct winning narratives. They could bring officials, or a president might defy all checks to executive and Russia become part of the free world. democratic supremacy. We should create democracies have an equally important the same weapons that have been used against democracy, power and emerge as an authoritarian national leader. We must now conclude that the opposite an overwhelmingly powerful and credible duty in defense of the free world. As one from algorithms to social media strategies, to work in its favor. has happened. China and Russia have democratic alliance to counterbalance the of America’s greatest friends and a genuine There are numerous reasons so many Americans are descended back into autocracy and become rising and assertive autocracies. We need to We have the Democratic National Committee and Republican admirer of your country (and grandfather unsatisfied with our democracy. From gerrymandering openly hostile geopolitical rivals of the preserve and strengthen NATO, and we need National Committee, the Democratic Congressional to American grandchildren), let me stress to shaping of opinion by hostile foreign governments, we world’s democracies. to build stronger relationships between the Campaign Committee and a Republican National Campaign this: The U.S. benefits from the multilateral face legitimate threats to our own political process. Not to traditional transatlantic alliance and the Committee, but what we need now is a National Committee Autocracies like Russia and China are world order it built after World War II2. mention, our president fits all four indicators of authoritarian rest of the world’s democracies, including for Democracy. It is time for us political warriors to use our systematically seeking to undermine our In conclusion: We must present a united behavior in “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky and major powers such as Japan and India. We resources and ideas for a bipartisan campaign to strengthen political systems. They exploit and abuse front against the autocracies. The Daniel Ziblatt. Donald Trump rejects the rule of law, tolerates need to strengthen the world’s free societies the norms of democracy. Only then we can return to the economic relationships, building elaborate authoritarian advance is a common threat violence, sows uncertainty, and has tried to curtail the rights to counter the advancing autocracies. As business of voting our opinions in elections that our founders debt traps and energy dependencies. They to the United States and Europe. We must of Americans who do not back him. my contribution, I created the Alliance would be proud of. use covert influence to disturb our politics develop a robust response. The world’s of Democracies, a nonprofit dedicated to and undermine trust and confidence in our democracies must present a united front As threats to our institutions increase, it is more urgent the advancement of democracy and free democratic institutions. against the autocracies who are themselves than ever for us to resist these forces and not lose faith in markets across the globe. I am hosting democracy. We have to stoke our rage at those individuals This article was originally published by The Hill on 10/07/20 China has taken an increasingly united in their efforts to undermine us. the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on who risk our democracy and turn our anger into action. We authoritarian turn under Xi Jinping, June 28 this year. The summit provides a

18 19 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

All of this means that despite our difference in perspectives liberty, and an extension of opportunity so that the people are Improving Our Democracy One and ideology, the majority of Americans see these three issues best positioned to flourish. Conversation at a Time as of great importance and want to see action on them. That’s good news: it means that there is a foundation upon which There have been many times in the past when a generation Ms. Jessica Carpenter & Mr. Manu Meel common purpose can be found. of Americans faced a choice while confronting significant adversity and uncertainty. From the Civil War to the Spanish America is in a state of crisis. No matter where we look, there fall victim to the polarization and apathy prevalent in society Flu. From the Great Depression to World War II. From Jim are challenges that serve as indictments of our democracy. The today, the future of democracy is at risk. Crowism to the 2008 recession. Each of these inflection pandemic has claimed over 330,000 lives. Working class people “We assume that party differences points in history required our democratic institutions and the face the worst economic prospects since the Great Depression. To strengthen our civic fabric and inculcate democratic values create unbridgeable divides, which American people to step up in their own right. For institutions, Racial wounds have been exposed as people voice their anger within the next generation of Americans, we must strengthen it meant responding to the will of the people and acting to and frustration towards injustice. Simply put, America does our civic fabric and highlight opportunities for common then fool us into thinking that working protect the natural rights of every American. For the people, not appear to be living up to its highest ideals. The one thing purpose amongst the American people. together is no longer possible.” it meant acting with empathy and constructively engaging to that seems to unite a highly divided American people is that the discover shared values despite significant policy differences. First, we must foster empathy and create spaces for healthy current situation is unsustainable, to say the least. That’s a bad civic discourse. This begins with ourselves. We have lost the predicament for the future of our democracy. From Huntington’s perspective, and our perspective, the hope ability to constructively disagree, exchanging friends and family Finally, we need to restore hope. Fortunately, history can that America offers is in its spirit and affinity for unified change members for faceless voices and interactions that push us away As young people who will inherit today’s fallout, it is difficult provide some solace and guidance, and maybe even some in spite of the many setbacks that have maligned American from those who think differently from us. We assume that party to be hopeful about the prospect for a better tomorrow. direction. The late political scientist, Samuel Huntington, once history. After all, the story of America highlights a tried and differences create unbridgeable divides, which then fool us into Institutions seem unresponsive to urgent problems. People wrote that, “America is not a lie; it is a disappointment. But it tested template for what is needed in a functioning democracy: thinking that working together is no longer possible. seem extraordinarily divided on fundamental issues. And the can be a disappointment only because it is also a hope”. responsive institutions and an active citizenry. possibility for any progress seems to diminish by the day. At In turn, we have been rewarded with not only an apathetic a time when our democracy will need an active and engaged The American story is unique in that it began as an experiment The future of democracy does not depend on finding agreement public, but a public that no longer knows how to talk to one electorate, young people are resorting to apathy and pessimism. founded on a set of beliefs: equality, liberty, and opportunity. on everything. Instead, the future of democracy will depend on another. Conversations that breaks these new barriers are far These beliefs relied upon a shared understanding that the institutions and an active citizenry working to address urgent and few between. It may seem naive, yet talking to one another The shift in the political sensibilities of young people is most fundamental and important unit of any society is people. issues despite the many differences that divide us. We can matters; our democracy is back to basics and trust must be prominent on social media platforms, within social interactions, A society that neglects its people is not a democracy, but a begin with issues like democracy reform, climate change and restored between people of different perspectives. Our leaders and among college campuses. The politics that young people tyranny. And American democracy embodies this ethos to the economy, opening new doors afterward. We must renew have struggled with trust as well, resulting in stifling gridlock. have matured into has taught us that party differences hinder its very core. While far from perfect, the American story has faith in the strength of and promise of American democracy. Yes, a lot of inaction can be blamed on misguided institutional the ability to problem solve. In turn, this has left us to bear always been one that aspires for more equality, preservation of We must prove that having a discussion about politics isn’t a the brunt of two recessions, a warming climate, and wavering incentives within politics. However, gridlock is also the result ticket to repudiation, but a chance to build forward. democracy. The belief that we cannot make the status quo of diminishing empathy and a renewed sense of righteousness. better has caused many of us to either divest from politics or We need humility, compassion, and healthy dialogue to flock to extreme ideological circles, closing off the prospect for compliment institutional reform if the future of democracy is agreement across differences. to remain strong.

As we look to the future of our country, many of the problems Second, we must identify opportunities for new common that our democracy faces require institutional fixes that ground. We need to put resolutions at the head of our every American can get behind. Whether it is ensuring the democratic output. To do this, we don’t need a push toward integrity of our elections or reducing the influence of corrupt common agreement, but of common purpose. We need to push electoral practices, institutional change is necessary to shore towards acknowledging differences and working through these up confidence in the future of our democracy. However, differences anyway because our union depends on it. strengthening democratic institutions is only part of the Despite the many issues that divide us, there are three issues solution. Democracy also requires an active citizenry. Ensuring that garner significant consensus, especially amongst young that the next generation of citizens are engaged and that our people: democracy reform, the environment, and the economy. civic fabric is strong are necessary for building a better future. According to a study by the Pew Research Center in 2019, 77 To recall the genius of the Founders, the most fundamental percent of voters agreed that the U.S. needed to prioritize unit of democracy is people, and our institutions were designed climate change, including 78 percent of conservative youths. to serve the people. Moreover, recent examples of countries Upwards of 70 percent of voters agreed that reformations in attempting to democratize show that only having democratic campaign spending, voting accessibility and gerrymandering institutions does not guarantee a strong democracy. If the needed to be addressed, according to the Brennan Center for citizenry remains highly divided, apathetic, and pessimistic Justice. And according to another study by the Pew Research about the future of democracy, solely focusing on institutions Center in January 2020, Republican and Democratic voters will be a futile exercise. In other words, democracy is only agreed 69 percent to 92 percent respectively that wealthy as strong as the participation of its citizens. If young people people had too much power in the economy.

20 21 Bipartisan Policy Review | January 2021 Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University

Campaign for the Future of Democracy IOPGA Events Calendar Spring 2021

What is the state of American democracy today? In fact, faith in democratic norms and institutions has been steadily January March On January 6, 2021, the state of American democracy ruptured declining for nearly a decade. Bipartisanship in a Time of Crisis? How Today, polarization has crystallized into a form of combat. Women in Leadership in the Middle East for several hours. But the event has been building for decades: Members of Congress Can Heal The Our divisions are exploited by malevolent actors. Inside Congress: The Freshman Class • 59 percent of Americans are unsatisfied with “the way Wounds & Find Common Ground in a democracy is working in our country.” (Pew Global Attitudes We need to strengthen our democratic resilience. HOW? Project, 2019). For decades, many Americans have been fed a steady diet of Biden Presidency Administrative Action in the Biden Administration • 23 percent of Americans openly state that the free press is authoritarian messages on radio, television, cable news, social The Bernard Schwartz Book and Politics media. No one has offered a counter-message that builds April “an enemy of the people” and only two thirds who see it as Series: To Start a War: How the Bush “an important part of democracy.” (Quinnipiac 2019) support for democratic norms. That is the mission of the CFD. Understanding Mediterranean Security We will get results with three sharp and sustainable strategies: Administration Took America Into Iraq, A • Public backing for the use of at least some violence to Conversation with Robert Draper achieve a political goal—both on the left and right—has Voter market research & campaign: Conduct a non-partisan A Conversation on Climate ticked up, from 8 percent in 2017 to 18 percent in 2020. (The and sophisticated voter research project to produce data on The Politics of Education Economist, Oct 2020). what animates citizens who increasingly support authoritarian February figures and messages; and develop message strategies to • About 30 percent of the population is “predisposed” to increase resilience to attempts (foreign and domestic) to Confronting Hate with Dr. Georgette Bennet May authoritarian leadership. (Anne Appelbaum, “Twilight of exploit those attitudes. This project will be governed and Inside Congress: Infrastructure as a Democracy,” 2020). operated by a bipartisan partnership of the nation’s leading The Politics of Protest Bipartisan Solution • A new Axios-Ipsos poll finds that 80 percent of Americans pollsters, focus group conveners, and media consultants. The The Congressional Peace Games — both Republicans and Democrats — say America is falling result: an aggressive marketing campaign (digital, print, radio, Brexit: The Aftermath apart. television) to counter foreign and domestic content that subverts democratic norms. June • The IPSOS Social Cohesion Index, which tracks attitudes The Future of the Republican Party on trust in other people and the political process, national Engagement: Convene Members of Congress and other featuring Governor John Kasich The Politics of Hospitality identity, helping others and respecting laws. Out of 27 federal officials with scholars and thought leaders to a) countries, the United States suffered a 26 percent decline in assess democratic norms and b) operationalize projects to July social cohesion, behind China, Saudi Arabia, India, Australia. strengthen it. This will bridge political practitioners with academic researchers. The Politics of Education We need to focus on the future of democracy. NOW. Building democracy in our classrooms: Build a network For nearly four decades and across six presidencies, the of resources across K-12, college and university campuses to Models of Corporate Social Responsibility institution of democracy has turned increasingly fragile, cultivate the next generation of public servants with a greater culminating in an attack against the United States Congress at respect for democratic norms and resilience when those the beginning of this year. norms are undermined.

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22 23 Bipartisan Policy Review January 2021

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