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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250428T013747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T172626Z
UID:58267-1746471600-1746475200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Ed Luce and Charlie Sykes: The Revenge of Geopolitics
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA was honored to host an urgent and insightful conversation with Ed Luce\, U.S. national editor and columnist for the Financial Times\, and Charlie Sykes\, founder and former editor-at-large of The Bulwark. \nAs democracy faces mounting threats around the world\, Luce’s new biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski offers timely lessons. Shaped by the Cold War and an unmatched grasp of global power\, Brzezinski’s strategic mind has never been more relevant. Luce and Sykes dove into why his legacy matters now—and what it teaches us about today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. See Luce’s New York Times Opinion Essay this past Sunday LINK (gift article) \nThey also unpacked the economic warning signs flashing across the global stage\, including: \n\nTrump’s tariffs and their impact on inflation and trade\,\n America’s economic outlook.\n\nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nEdward Luce is the US national editor and columnist at the Financial Times. Luce’s forthcoming biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski “Zbig\, The life of Zbig Brzezinski: America’s great power prophet”\, comes out in May 2025. \nBefore that he was the FT’s Washington Bureau chief. Other roles have included South Asia bureau chief\, Capital Markets editor\, and Philippines Correspondent. Luce was previously the speechwriter for the US Treasury Secretary\, Lawrence H. Summers\, in the Clinton administration. \nHe is the author of three highly acclaimed books\, The Retreat of Western Liberalism (2017)\, Time to Start Thinking: America in the Age of Descent (2012)\, and In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India (2007). \nCharlie Sykes is the author of the Substack newsletter\, “To the Contrary\,” and contributes to The Atlantic and MSNBC. His most recent book\, How the Right Lost Its Mind\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, was released in October 2017. \nSykes has written for The New York Times\, The Atlantic\, The Weekly Standard\, The Washington Post\, Commentary\, The Wall Street Journal\, Politico\, The Los Angeles Times\, Newsweek\, Time.com\, USA Today\, National Review\, The New York Review of Books\, the New York Daily News\, and other national publications.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/revenge-geopolitics/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1915.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250604T010350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T140047Z
UID:59813-1750273200-1750276800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Inside Project 2025 with The Atlantic’s David Graham moderated by Andra Watkins
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA was excited to host an urgent and insightful conversation with David Graham\, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the new book The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America and Andra Watkins\, founder of bestselling Substack newsletter For Such Time as This (formerly How Project 2025 Will Ruin YOUR Life).  \nGraham and Watkins provided crucial insights into the ideological and political machinery driving one of the most consequential shifts in modern U.S. history. They also delved into the roles of key figures such as Russ Vought\, Stephen Miller\, and other Trump-era officials who helped craft and now execute this agenda. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nDavid A. Graham is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is the author of the new book\, The Project. He won the Toner Prize for Excellence in National Political Reporting in 2021 for his coverage of the 2020 presidential election. He previously reported for Newsweek and The Daily Beast\, The Wall Street Journal. He is also an adjunct instructor of journalism at Duke University and lives in Durham\, North Carolina. \nAndra Watkins is a survivor of Christian Nationalism; author of the bestselling Substack For Such a Time as This (formerly How Project 2025 Will Ruin YOUR Life); NYT bestselling author of the memoir Not Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace; proud immigrant
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/insideproject2025/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_2651.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250521T190045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T155535Z
UID:59648-1750878000-1750881600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Line of Defense: Attorneys General Tong (D-CT) & Bonta (D-CA) with The Brennan Center’s Michael Waldman
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA hosted a conversation with Attorney General William Tong (D-CT) and Attorney General Rob Bonta (D-CA)\, moderated by Michael Waldman\, president and CEO\, The Brennan Center for Justice. In the face of escalating federal overreach—from mass deportations targeting immigrant communities to the deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles without state consent—the role of state Attorneys General has never been more critical. As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on blue states\, AGs are serving as a vital line of defense\, challenging unconstitutional actions in the courts\, protecting civil rights\, and standing up for the rule of law. This conversation spotlighted the courageous and strategic work of state AGs as they fight back against authoritarian tactics and safeguard the rights and freedoms of their constituents. \nAbout The Speakers \nAttorney General William Tong (D-CT) is the 25th Attorney General to serve Connecticut since the office was established by the state constitution in 1897. He first took office in 2019 and is currently serving his second term. \nAttorney General Tong currently serves as Eastern Region Chair and Finance Chair of the National Association of Attorneys General. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Attorneys General Association. Attorney General Tong previously practiced for 18 years as a litigator in both state and federal courts\, first at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City and then at Finn Dixon & Herling LLP in Stamford. He served for 12 years as a State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly\, where he served as House Chairman of the Judiciary Committee as well as the Banking Committee. In 2006\, he became the first Asian American elected to any state office in Connecticut history. \nAttorney General Rob Bonta (D-CA) is the 34th Attorney General of the State of California\, the first person of Filipino descent and the second Asian-American to occupy the position. Prior to being sworn in as Attorney General\, Attorney General Bonta served in the state Assembly\, and as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco\, where he represented the City and County and its employees\, and fought to protect Californians from exploitation and racial profiling. \nBorn in Quezon City\, Philippines\, Attorney General Bonta immigrated to California with his family as an infant. He is the son of a proud native Filipino mother and a father who taught him the value of public service to his community. He is married to Mia Bonta\, and they are the proud parents of three children Reina\, Iliana\, and Andres. \nMichael Waldman is president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. A nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to improve systems of democracy and justice so they work for all\, the Brennan Center is a leading national voice on voting rights\, money in politics\, criminal justice reform\, and constitutional law. Waldman is a constitutional lawyer and writer who is an expert on the presidency and American democracy. He has led the Center since 2005. He was a member of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States in 2021.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/justice-at-the-frontlines/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Copy-of-169-Ed-Luce-Charlie-Sykes-May-2025.zip-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250702T133536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250713T113932Z
UID:60087-1752174000-1752177600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Media in the Crosshairs: A Conversation with Judy Woodruff and Tara McGowan moderated by Rachel Janfaza
DESCRIPTION: BigTentUSA hosted legendary journalist Judy Woodruff and founder/publisher of Courier News\, Tara McGowan. The conversation will be moderated by Gen Z journalist Rachel Janfaza. \nAt a time of historic distrust in the media and rising misinformation\, how do we keep the public informed—and believing the facts? The conversation explored the challenges facing both legacy and emerging outlets\, the growing cynicism among audiences\, and the urgent need to rebuild trust in journalism as a cornerstone of democracy. \nThis discussion highlighted how data driven Courier is in meeting the moment with social-first\, fact-based reporting designed to reach Americans who’ve been left behind by traditional media. Our speakers will also examine how legacy voices like Woodruff’s continue to guide the public through complicated\, high-stakes times with clarity and integrity. \nThis was more than a conversation about the media—it was about defending truth and preserving democracy. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nJUDY WOODRUFF is the Senior Correspondent for the PBS NewsHour after serving for 11 years as its Anchor and Managing Editor. She has covered politics and other news for over four decades at CNN\, NBC\, and PBS. In 2023 and 2024\, she undertook a reporting project\, America at a Crossroads\, to better understand the country’s political divide.   \nWoodruff is the recent recipient of an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award\, as well as the Radcliffe Medal\, the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism\, the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism from Arizona State University. She is the recipient of more than 25 honorary degrees. \nTARA MCGOWAN is the founder and Publisher of Courier Newsroom and CEO of Good Information Inc\, a civic incubator that invests in immediate solutions to counter disinformation online. Recognizing the need for new media infrastructure that deliberately reaches and informs the consumers across the country who are most susceptible to being targeted with disinformation online\, she founded in Courier in 2019. \nCourier is a network of state and local newsrooms that deliver factual\, cultural\, and relevant news through a pro-democracy lens to communities who have been left behind by traditional media\, directly to their social newsfeeds and inboxes.  \nRACHEL JANFAZA is the founder of The Up and Up – a newsletter about young voters – and and a consultant on youth civic engagement and media strategy. A member of Generation Z myself\, she is lazier-focused on the cohort’s civic attitude and has convened listening sessions with hundreds of young people across the country. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times\, CNN\, The Free Press\, Glamour\, POLITICO Magazine\, Teen Vogue\, Vogue\, Elle\, Cosmo\, and Bustle. And my on-air analysis has been featured on CNN\, C-SPAN\, The Hill TV\, NY-1\, WNYC Public Radio\, and NPR/WBUR. 
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/mediainthecrosshairs/
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_2944-scaled.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250716T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250716T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250702T191815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T183858Z
UID:60096-1752692400-1752696000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:A Conversation with Adam Kinzinger and Reed Galen: The Strength of Collective Action
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA was honored to host former Congressman Adam Kinzinger – a leading voice in the fight to protect democracy\, and co-founder of The Lincoln Project and President of The Union\, Reed Galen. As Trump and his allies push forward with Project 2025—threatening to dismantle democratic norms\, purge civil servants\, and consolidate power—the urgency for collective action has never been greater. On the eve of a nationwide protest against the authoritarian threats facing our country\, join us for this timely conversation. \nOur speakers explored the vision behind collective action and how it’s helping build long-term civic muscle across the country. More importantly they will address how everyday Americans can take meaningful action to strengthen democracy in their communities. \nThe Union is a growing national coalition of volunteers\, organizers\, and pro-democracy advocates working to defend decency\, truth\, and competence in American government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building a durable\, nationwide organizing infrastructure to support candidates—up and down the ballot—who will uphold the Constitution and serve the public in good faith. \nCountry First mobilizes and equips the Reasonable Majority to defend democracy and champion change in their own communities. By equipping citizens with the tools to take action where they live and by leading grassroots efforts that strengthen communities\, we are building a healthier\, more stable and stronger country from the ground up. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nREED GALEN is an independent political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. He now serves as the President of The Union\, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers\, organizers\, and local leaders to support decent\, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide. \nADAM KINZINGER  served six terms in the United States House of Representatives\, from 2011-2022\, where he represented Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District. Prior to being elected to Congress\, Kinzinger served in the Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently he is a senior political commentator on CNN\, founder of Country First and is known for his unwavering commitment to defend democratic values and promote civic participation across America.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/collectiveaction/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/reed-and-Adam-169-1.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250713T115314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T013918Z
UID:60109-1755018000-1755021600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Heather Cox Richardson & Stacey Abrams: MAGA's Rewriting History\, Rigging Elections
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, August 12th at 5:00PM ET\, BigTentUSA was thrilled to welcome back civic strategist and former Georgia State Representative\, Stacey Abrams\, and renowned historian\, Heather Cox Richardson for a discussion moderated by Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Their discussion focused on how the Trump administration & MAGA are using America’s education system to entrench authoritarian power. From rewriting history to gutting diversity and issuing sweeping Executive Orders targeting higher education\, these actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate control. That same authoritarian playbook is at work in Texas\, where Republicans are attempting to redraw congressional maps to dilute representation and lock in political power. \nTogether\, these efforts reveal a coordinated plan to undermine democratic norms — and Stacey and Heather  unpacked what’s at stake and how we can fight back. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nSTACEY ABRAMS is a political leader\, business owner and New York Times bestselling author. A tax attorney by training\, Abrams served eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives\, seven as Minority Leader\, and became the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia in 2018 and 2022. Over the course of her career\, she has launched multiple organizations devoted to democracy protection\, voter engagement\, tackling social issues\, and building a more equitable future in the South. Committed to the pursuit of equity\, she works to break barriers for young people\, people of color and the marginalized through her work in the public\, nonprofit and corporate sectors. \nHEATHER COX RICHARDSON is a renowned historian\, writing widely about Reconstruction\, the Civil War\, and the history of the Republican Party. She is the author of seven books including\, most recently\, Democracy Awakening\, as well as the award-winning How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy\, Democracy\, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America. She writes the popular newsletter\, Letters from an American\, a daily chronicle of the history behind American politics. \nKIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR is a senior opinion writer and columnist at The Boston Globe. She is also an MSNBC contributor\, a frequent panelist on NBC’s “Meet the Press\,” and co-host of the weekly Politicon legal news podcast #SistersInLaw. Previously\, Kim was the inaugural columnist for The Emancipator\, a collaboration between The Boston Globe and Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research that reframes the conversation about racial justice and equality.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/p2025education/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Stacey-and-Heather-169-2.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20250723T113528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T180830Z
UID:60182-1758045600-1758049200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Tammy Duckworth: Veterans\, Values\, & the Fight for Democracy
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, September 16th at 6:00PM ET\, BigTentUSA welcomed Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Janessa Goldbeck\, Vet Voice Foundation CEO\, for a crucial virtual conversation on the urgent threats facing our national security\, democratic institutions\, and the veteran community. \nThey discussed Trump’s harmful government cuts that threaten employment for veterans and access to critical VA services\, the troubling legacy of Pete Hegseth’s tenure at the Department of Defense\, and what the push for increased ICE funding really means for public safety and national priorities.\n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS\nSENATOR TAMMY DUCKWORTH is an Iraq War Veteran\, Purple Heart recipient and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was among the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Duckworth served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2014. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 after representing Illinois’s Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms. \nOne of the landmark bills she authored and passed—the Troop Talent Act—helps returning veterans transition into private-sector jobs. She’s also been a relentless advocate for cutting waste and fraud at the Pentagon and across the federal government. \nDuckworth attended college at the University of Hawaii and earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. \nJANESSA GOLDBECK is the CEO of Vet Voice Foundation\, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend democratic values. As a Marine Corps Combat Engineer Officer\, Janessa led missions overseas and served as a Uniformed Victim Advocate\, supporting fellow service members through some of their toughest moments. While on active duty\, in addition to her assigned duties\, Janessa worked to reform the military’s broken sexual assault reporting process and played a role in overturning the discriminatory Combat Exclusion policy. Janessa holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor to VoteVets and on the California Governor’s Veterans Board.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/veterans-values/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Duckworth-Vote-Vets-169-1.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251006T170634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T204125Z
UID:60800-1760468400-1760472000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Rising Signal: Powering Media for the People
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA brought together an incredible audience for a powerful conversation about how media paywalls\, profit models\, and political pressures are shaping what Americans see—and don’t see—in the news. \nOur panelists\, Daniella Ballou-Aares of Leadership Now Project and Heidi Przybyla of Get Real News\, unpacked the growing tensions between political power\, corporate media\, and democracy itself. From newsroom crackdowns to the dangers of media consolidation\, they explored how misinformation spreads when access to trusted journalism is limited—and why rebuilding public trust starts with reimagining how news is funded and shared. \nThe discussion also offered hope: independent media is rising to meet the moment—harnessing the reach of social media influencers\, the power of new technologies like AI\, and the energy of engaged audiences to deliver thoughtful\, fact-based reporting that connects with people where they are. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nDaniella Ballou-Aares is Founder and CEO of the Leadership Now Project\, a national membership organization of business and thought leaders committed to fixing American democracy. She began her career at Bain & Company\, working in the US\, South Africa\, and the UK\, then became a founding Partner at Dalberg\, where she led the Americas business and helped grow the startup into the largest social impact strategy firm with 25 offices worldwide. Daniella later served five years in the Obama Administration as Senior Advisor for Development to the Secretary of State under Secretaries Clinton and Kerry. Her perspectives have appeared in the Harvard Business Review\, The New York Times\, Fast Company\, POLITICO\, and the World Economic Forum. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a 2014 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Daniella holds an MBA from Harvard\, an MPA from the Kennedy School\, and a BS from Cornell. \nHeidi Przybyla is an award-winning investigative and television correspondent championing new approaches to reporting that put Americans first. A veteran journalist\, she has regularly broken exclusive stories on how White House\, congressional\, and presidential policies affect everyday people. Her reporting has spanned top newspaper\, digital\, radio\, and TV outlets\, with appearances on CNN\, PBS\, NPR\, CBS\, ABC\, FOX\, and across NBC News platforms. She was part of a team honored with a George Polk Award\, Batten Medal\, and Toner Prize for reporting on dark money in the making of the Supreme Court\, which was also a Pulitzer finalist. Previously\, she was an investigative correspondent at NBC and senior political reporter at USA TODAY\, where she led coverage of Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the 2016 presidential field. In late 2024\, Przybyla founded Get Real News\, a platform using new technologies and independent journalists to deliver reliable local and national news.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/pressure-test/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/169Recap_Przybyla-Leadership-Now.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251015T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251015T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251007T224814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T201506Z
UID:60817-1760529600-1760533200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Mobilize Virginia: Students Rising for Democracy
DESCRIPTION:BigTent hosted a TentTalk on Wednesday\, October 15 at 12:00pm ET featuring Sandy Radoff and Claire Ullman\, co-founders of Students for Voting Justice\, and Andrea Miller\, founding board member of Center for Common Ground. The discussion offered an in-depth briefing on the state of the 2025 Virginia elections and highlighted effective Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) strategies. Speakers shared how young leaders across the Commonwealth are mobilizing voters through grassroots tactics\, youth-focused outreach\, and strong partnerships with community and campus networks to drive turnout and civic engagement. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nSandy Radoff is a researcher and statistician who had her own business as a marketing and opinion research consultant for over 20 years. She has a Masters Degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics and went back to graduate school to indulge her passion by completing all the coursework towards a Masters Degree in political science. For the past several years\, she has spent considerable time as an activist focusing on the environment and social justice. Being Co-Director of Students for Voting Justice has brought the most meaningful pieces of her life together in one place. Sandra lives in New York City with her husband and has two grown children\, a son and a daughter\, both Millennials. \nClaire Ullman taught political science and public policy at Barnard College and the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs until co-founding Students for Voting Justice in 2020. She has a Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University and a BA from Harvard University. Before she went to graduate school\, Claire helped found an emergency shelter for homeless women and children in Seattle as a VISTA volunteer and then stayed on as its development officer and then its Assistant Director. She served on the board of the Grand Street Settlement in New York City from 1995 to 2008. Finally\, and perhaps most relevant to her current job as Co-Director of Students for Justice\, Claire is the parent of three recent college graduates. \nAndrea Miller is the Founding Board Member of the Center for Common Ground\, Executive Director of People Demanding Action\, Founding President of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia\, and a member of the Democracy and Governance working group of the Virginia Green New Deal. Andrea is an IT and Political Director and a digital and elections strategist. She designs and administers digital phone banks and texting programs. From 2013 to 2015\, she led the Progressive Round Table on Capitol Hill\, bringing together members of Congress\, activists\, and non-profit leaders. Her expertise is in voting rights\, climate\, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She has successfully advocated for legislation on both the Federal and State level. In 2008 she was the Democratic nominee for the Virginia 4th Congressional district.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/mobilize-virginia/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/169Recap_Students-for-Voting-Justice-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251007T154033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T184659Z
UID:60809-1761159600-1761163200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Justice Over ICE: Fighting for Fair Immigration
DESCRIPTION:On October 22\, BigTentUSA hosted a thought-provoking conversation with Kerry Kennedy\, President of ‪RFK Human Rights and ‪Senator Chris Murphy‬ (D-CT)\, moderated by ‪The Bulwark‬’s Sam Stein. \nRather than focusing solely on policy reform\, the speakers explored how decades of broken promises from both Democrats and Republicans — coupled with the lack of a shared understanding of what it truly means to be American — have fueled the intolerance underlying today’s immigration crisis. They reflected on how this erosion of shared values has weakened trust in institutions and deepened divisions across the country. \nThe discussion also examined the broader democratic moment\, from the real-world impact of the ongoing government shutdown to the growing threats posed by authoritarianism. Kennedy and Murphy emphasized that lasting progress depends not only on government action but on the collective power of citizens and civil society organizations to push for accountability and justice. \nIt was an illuminating and deeply human conversation — a call to restore our sense of common purpose and to harness the power of civic engagement in defense of democracy and human rights. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nKerry Kennedy is president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights\, where she partners with courageous activists around the world to advance justice and human dignity. A human rights lawyer and author of the New York Times bestsellers Being Catholic Now and Speak Truth to Power\, Kennedy has spent more than four decades championing causes from women’s rights and criminal justice reform to freedom of expression and environmental justice. \nThe seventh child of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy\, she has led hundreds of human rights delegations globally and appears frequently as a commentator and contributor in national media. Kennedy serves on the boards of the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation\, among others\, and has received numerous international honors for her advocacy. She is a graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School and the proud mother of three daughters. \nSenator Chris Murphy (D-CT)\, the junior United States Senator from Connecticut\, has dedicated his career to public service as an advocate for Connecticut families. Senator Murphy has been a strong voice in the Senate fighting for job creation\, affordable health care\, education\, sensible gun laws\, and a forward-looking foreign policy. \nSenator Murphy is a consensus builder and many times throughout his political career has worked to bridge the political divide. He led a bipartisan effort to reform the mental health system\, working across the aisle to craft the first comprehensive mental health bill in the Senate in decades. Following the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in 2012\, Senator Murphy became one of the leading proponents of commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence. He has championed a number of bipartisan bills aimed at expanding background checks and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. And most recently\, he was the lead Democratic negotiator of the breakthrough bipartisan border reform agreement. \nSam Stein is managing editor for The Bulwark. Prior to then he was Deputy Managing Editor for Politics at Politico. He held similar posts at both The Daily Beast and HuffPost\, where he founded the site’s D.C. bureau. He has been a longtime contributor on MSNBC. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College\, where he met his wife!
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/justice-over-ice/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/169Recap_Kennedy-Murphy-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251111T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251111T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251018T233755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T210912Z
UID:60884-1762887600-1762891200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Joyce Vance Book Event: "Giving Up Is Unforgivable"
DESCRIPTION:On November 11\, BigTent hosted an urgent and inspiring virtual conversation with Joyce Vance — former U.S. Attorney\, MSNBC legal analyst\, and author of the new book Giving Up Is Unforgivable — moderated by Vanita Gupta\, NYU Law Scholar and Director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at NYU Law School. \nFramed around Joyce’s powerful new book\, the discussion explored the threats facing American democracy — including the Administration’s ongoing efforts to limit voting rights\, the erosion of the rule of law\, and the dangers posed by attempts to expand executive power. Joyce offered expert legal analysis on these challenges and what they mean for the future of the country. \nThroughout the conversation\, Joyce shared riveting stories of hope and resilience from her decades in public service\, inspiring us all to stay engaged\, defend our democratic values\, and never give up. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nJoyce White Vance is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Alabama\, a legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC\, and the author of the Civil Discourse newsletter. She co-hosts the podcasts #SistersInLaw and Insider with Preet Bharara. A former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama under President Obama. Joyce lives in Alabama with her husband\, retired Judge Robert Vance Jr.\, their four kids\, a collection of pets—and she knits\, a lot. \nVanita Gupta is a Distinguished Scholar in Residence and Director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at NYU Law. She served as the 19th Associate Attorney General of the United States (2021–2024)\, leading key Justice Department divisions and initiatives on police reform\, reproductive rights\, and environmental justice. Previously\, she was President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and led the DOJ Civil Rights Division under President Obama. Earlier\, at the ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund\, she helped overturn wrongful convictions in Tulia\, Texas. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Yale College and NYU Law.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/giving-up-is-unforgivable/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/169Recap_GIVING-UP-IS-UNFORGIVABLE.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251110T225424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T181212Z
UID:60922-1763571600-1763575200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:After the Election: What Voters Really Think
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA hosted a lively post-election conversation on November 19 with Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark\, journalist and founder of The Up and Up Rachel Janfaza\, and political strategist Lis Smith. The group dug into what actually drove voters in 2025\, the surprises that even longtime experts didn’t see coming\, and what all of it might mean as we head toward 2026. \nA big message from the conversation was that candidates need to rethink how they connect with people. The speakers talked about the importance of better storytelling\, being more comfortable and creative on social media\, and showing greater empathy for what voters are going through. They also pointed out how crucial it is for political parties to support candidates who truly understand their local communities and to build a “big tent” that welcomes people with different experiences and ideas. \nOverall\, the event offered a clear and candid look at where voters are right now — and what it will take to earn their trust moving forward. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nSarah Longwell is the publisher of The Bulwark\, which she co-founded in 2019\, and host of the podcast The Focus Group\, now in its sixth season. The Bulwark is one of the fastest-growing independent digital media companies and a home for honest\, pro-democracy news and analysis. \nA recognized expert in qualitative research\, Sarah has hosted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of voters nationwide. Her work digs into what motivates voters and how they view major political issues\, with a focus on persuadable swing voters\, including current and former Trump voters. Her insights have been featured on PBS NewsHour\, CNN\, MSNBC\, and elsewhere. \nRachel Janfaza is the founder of  The Up and Up – a newsletter about young voters – and and a consultant on youth civic engagement and media strategy. A member of Generation Z\, she is laser-focused on the cohort’s civic attitude and has convened listening sessions with hundreds of young people across the country. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times\, CNN\, The Free Press\, Glamour\, POLITICO Magazine\, Teen Vogue\, Vogue\, Elle\, Cosmo\, and Bustle. And her on-air analysis has been featured on CNN\, C-SPAN\, The Hill TV\, NY-1\, WNYC Public Radio\, and NPR/WBUR. \nLis Smith has been hailed as a “next-gen gunslinger\,” “not your grandfather’s political consultant\,” and “the hard-charging New York operative [who] helped turn an obscure Indiana mayor into a national name.” She is one of the most in-demand strategists in today’s political environment. Named to Fortune’s “40 under 40 in Government” and Crain’s “50 Most Powerful Women in New York\,” Smith continues to work as a strategist and regularly contributes opinion pieces to publications like the New York Times\, Washington Post\, and Vanity Fair\, in addition to appearing as a frequent guest on MSNBC\, CNN\, Fox News\, and HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/after-the-election/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/169Recap_Sarah-Longwell_Rachel-Janfaza_Lis-Smith.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251208T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251208T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251119T170958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T175325Z
UID:60940-1765188000-1765191600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:From the Campaign Trail: Faith and Politics in Texas
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA and COURIER Texas recently hosted a thoughtful conversation featuring Texas State Representative James Talarico\, COURIER Texas Organizing Director Dawn Jones\, and independent journalist Aaron Parnas. The panel reflected on the rapidly evolving political environment in Texas and how upcoming statewide battles could shape the years ahead. \nThe discussion highlighted the essential role of reliable\, community-rooted journalism—especially as Texans confront ongoing redistricting fights\, a high-profile Senate race\, and the road to the 2026 midterms. Speakers emphasized that strong local reporting helps voters cut through noise\, hold leaders accountable\, and stay informed in a complex media landscape. \nRep. Talarico spoke openly about the values guiding his public service\, noting how staying true to his beliefs helps him connect with constituents across party lines. Throughout the conversation\, the panel underscored the importance of removing special-interest influence from politics and refocusing government on meeting community needs. \nThey closed by encouraging viewers to take an active role in their neighborhoods—whether through civic engagement\, supporting trusted local news sources\, or helping strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJames Talarico is an eighth-generation Texan\, former middle school teacher\, and preacher. \nBorn to a single mom in Round Rock\, James earned degrees from The University of Texas at Austin\, Harvard University\, and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Before serving in the Legislature\, he taught English on the Westside of San Antonio — one of Texas’ poorest zip codes. \nElected as state representative at the age of 29\, he has led the fight against the billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians who have taken over our country. Now\, he is running for U.S. Senate to take his fight against Big Money and corruption to Washington and win back power for working people in a system that’s rigged for the ultra-wealthy. \nLearn more at jamestalarico.com \nDawn Jones\, born and raised in Houston\, Texas\, is a proud two-time graduate of Texas Southern University. She has dedicated the past decade to social justice advocacy\, managing student organizing programs for presidential\, senate\, and gubernatorial campaigns. With extensive experience in building grassroots movements\, she now serves as the Texas Organizing Director for COURIER Texas\, where she bridges the gap between organizing and civic media. \nAaron Parnas is one of the leading Gen Z voices shaping how news is consumed today. An independent journalist\, political commentator\, strategist\, and attorney\, Aaron has quickly become a key figure in the national political conversation\, offering sharp insights at the intersection of law\, media\, and policy. \nHe first gained widespread attention through viral\, educational content that breaks down complex political issues in a fast\, accessible way—particularly resonating with younger\, highly engaged audiences. His rapid-response analysis of major court decisions\, legislative battles\, and election narratives has made him a trusted voice for millions across platforms.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/faith-and-politics-in-texas/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/169Recap_James-Talarico_Dawn-Jones_Aaron-Parnas-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20251207T235723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T202315Z
UID:60951-1765479600-1765483200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:2026 Midterms: The Game Plan
DESCRIPTION:BigTentUSA wrapped up its final virtual event of the year with an energizing conversation featuring Gretchen Barton of Worthy Strategy Group and Michael Frias of Catalist. They broke down what the 2025 results and new exit polling are telling us about the road ahead and shared the key shifts that will shape the fight to win back Congress in 2026. \nThe speakers reminded everyone that real progress happens when Democrats connect with swing voters by listening\, finding shared values\, and showing there’s room for them in the bigger pro-democracy community—rather than pushing them away. \nThey also dug into what the 2025 electorate revealed about persuasion and turnout\, how different groups showed up\, and where the biggest opportunities lie next year. And they closed with practical advice on how people\, campaigns\, and organizations can step up now—including smart ways to direct political donations so they make the strongest possible impact. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nGretchen Barton is the founder of Worthy Strategy Group\, a research and strategy firm shaping influential narratives in American public life. A leading researcher and strategist\, she has led national studies on poverty\, women and leadership\, the youth vote\, immigration\, gender in America\, global nuclear disarmament\, how Americans discern truth\, what they seek in their next president\, and what the Democratic and Republican brands signify. Over the past three years\, she has spearheaded research and messaging in support of Ukraine and advocated for the return of Ukrainian children captured by Russian forces. Her work has been used by the U.S. State Department\, global governments\, and NGOs. She has also worked extensively to identify programs and messaging that reduce antisemitism. Gretchen has conducted interviews with over 3\,000 Americans and designed polling reaching more than 200\,000. She heads the American Leadership Project and advises History Wars. A Cornell graduate\, she has authored multiple publications and research studies. \nMichael Frias is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalist\, the premier progressive data and analytics firm supporting campaigns\, advocacy groups\, and civic organizations nationwide. As Catalist’s first Latino CEO\, he has led the company through a period of innovation\, strengthening its role as a trusted source of rigorous and actionable insights into the American electorate. Michael brings over twenty years of experience at the intersection of politics\, government\, and national security. At the Department of Homeland Security\, he served as Deputy Chair of the Common Vetting Task Force\, where he led the creation of a big data environment to improve information sharing across DHS and the intelligence community\, earning the Secretary’s Award for Excellence from Secretary Jeh Johnson. His political experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick\, holding senior roles in Governor Janet Napolitano’s administration\, and leading statewide and national campaigns. He advises several innovation- and equity-focused organizations.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/2026-midterms/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/169Recap_Gretchen-Barton_Michael-Frias.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260106T233350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T222828Z
UID:60988-1768503600-1768507200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Winning for Democracy:  Utah’s Playbook for Red-State Bipartisan Coalitions
DESCRIPTION:On January 15\, leaders from across Utah’s civic and political landscape came together for a virtual discussion on how the state’s shifting population is influencing organizing and electoral strategy. Katie Wright\, Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative\, Emma Petty Addams\, Co-Executive Director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government\, and Matt Lyon\, Utah Lead for the Rural West Project—joined by moderator Reed Galen\, Co-Founder of The Lincoln Project and President of The Union—shared firsthand perspectives on the collaborative work underway to build durable\, cross-partisan alliances across urban and rural communities. \nThroughout the conversation\, the speakers underscored the central role of fair political representation in strengthening democracy\, pointing to examples of Utahns finding common ground across ideological lines. They highlighted how shared values around accountability\, participation\, and representation have allowed unlikely partners to work together effectively. \nThe panel also challenged the assumption that meaningful pro-democracy progress is limited to traditionally blue states. Drawing on lessons from Utah\, they emphasized that red states should not be written off—arguing instead that sustained organizing\, inclusive coalitions\, and strategic engagement can and do create openings for democratic reforms\, even in places long considered politically out of reach. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nKatie Wright is a nonprofit leader focused on connecting human and financial capital to address challenges such as climate change and democracy reform. As Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative\, she partners with donors and expert organizations to help transform Utah’s political landscape. From 2008 to 2021\, she led the Park City Community Foundation\, growing it into one of the nation’s fastest-growing community foundations while expanding grant-making and community investment. From 2021 to 2025\, she led Better Boundaries\, advancing fair maps and protecting Utahns’ constitutional rights to balanced ballot language and citizen-led reform. Katie is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Morocco\, 2005–2007) and holds an MPA from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Colorado College. \nEmma Petty Addams serves as co-executive director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in piano performance at Stanford University\, she spent time in Boston and Silicon Valley working in contracts negotiation\, corporate transactions and capitalization\, and investor relations. In addition\, she has built and run large piano studios in California\, New Jersey\, and Omaha\, Nebraska. While seemingly unrelated\, these previous career opportunities were excellent preparation for the fast-paced yet methodical and collaborative nature of the work at MWEG. Every time an MWEG member writes an op-ed\, speaks out against injustice\, or expresses her opinion peacefully on social media\, Emma is grateful for the chance to help women contribute their part to the complex multi-voice symphony that is our democracy. Emma currently resides with her husband and three sons in Salt Lake City\, Utah. \nMatt Lyon is the founding and managing partner of Blueprint Public Affairs\, Finance Director for the Rural West Project\, and leads the Rural West Project’s program in Utah. A long time Utah political consultant and operative\, Matt was a founder of the Better Boundaries initiative\, the Utah Donor Collaborative\, Alliance for a Better Utah\, and other local and national redistricting efforts. He has run and worked on campaigns for the U.S. Senate\, U.S. Congress\, various state and mayoral efforts and a State Democratic Party. \nReed Galen is an independent political strategist\, co-founder of The Lincoln Project\, and currently serves as the President of The Union\, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers\, organizers\, and local leaders to support decent\, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/utah-2026/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Recap_Utah2026-Priorities.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260115T224017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T224025Z
UID:61009-1768935600-1768939200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Citizens Under Assault: Reporting Live From Minneapolis
DESCRIPTION:On January 20\, BigTentUSA hosted a discussion featuring public policy analyst and creator of the The Existentialist Republic newsletter Christopher Armitage\, and political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project Reed Galen. The two examined recent developments in ICE enforcement\, including the fatal shooting in Minneapolis and the national reaction it sparked. The speakers explored the broader implications for federal immigration operations and public trust\, emphasizing that law enforcement — particularly federal agencies — must operate under strict guardrails and be held to higher standards of justice and accountability. They also underscored that lasting change depends on consistent engagement with government representatives\, noting that sustained public pressure matters because\, ultimately\, lawmakers are accountable to voters. \nThe event capped an hour of expert insight paired with practical suggestions for civic engagement at a time of heightened concern about democratic norms\, civil liberties\, and the rule of law. \n  \nAbout The Speakers: \nChristopher Armitage is a former law enforcement officer with a background in national security. He now works as a public policy analyst\, anti-authoritarian activist\, and journalist. His work has been cited by Mother Jones\, the Brookings Institute\, and Thom Hartman. \nReed Galen is an independent political strategist\, co-founder of The Lincoln Project\, and currently serves as the President of The Union\, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers\, organizers\, and local leaders to support decent\, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/citizens-under-assault/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Recap_Christopher-Armitage_Reed-Galen.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260120T212522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T161652Z
UID:61017-1769688000-1769691600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Oligarchs and Empire: Trump’s Global Power Play
DESCRIPTION:On January 29\, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian\, journalist\, and author of Autocracy\, Inc. Anne Applebaum and journalist\, lawyer\, and founder of the Popular Information newsletter Judd Legum joined moderator Charlie Sykes\, author of the To the Contrary newsletter and podcast\, for a timely discussion on how political power is being reshaped in the U.S. and globally—and what it means for democracy. \nThe conversation examined how democratic institutions are increasingly undermined through gradual\, legal changes that concentrate power\, weaken accountability\, and reward loyalty over principle. Speakers emphasized that the greatest danger lies not in any single leader\, but in systems that normalize corruption\, disinformation\, and politicized governance. \nUkraine emerged as a critical test of democratic resolve\, highlighting the global stakes of the moment. \nThe discussion concluded with a clear warning and reminder: democracy does not sustain itself—it survives only when citizens choose to defend it. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nAnne Applebaum is staff writer for The Atlantic and author of the best-selling 2020 book Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism and her latest book Autocracy\, Inc. Applebaum is also a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and the SNF Agora Institute\, where she co-directs Arena\, a program on disinformation and 21st-century propaganda. \nJudd Legum is the founder and author of Popular Information\, an independent newsletter dedicated to accountability journalism. Popular Information won the 2020 Online Journalism Award for Excellence in Newsletters\, and the 2025 David Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism. Its reporting was credited by Bloomberg for bringing a “political reckoning” to corporate America. Previously\, Legum founded and served as editor-in-chief of ThinkProgress\, a progressive media outlet. In 2008\, Legum was the research director for Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Pomona College. \nCharlie Sykes is the author of the Substack newsletter\, To the Contrary\, and contributes to The Atlantic and MSNBC. His most recent book\, How the Right Lost Its Mind\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, was released in October 2017. \nSykes has written for The New York Times\, The Atlantic\, The Weekly Standard\, The Washington Post\, Commentary\, The Wall Street Journal\, Politico\, The Los Angeles Times\, Newsweek\, Time.com\, USA Today\, National Review\, The New York Review of Books\, the New York Daily News\, and other national publications.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/trumps-global-power-play/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Recap_Anne-Applebaum_Judd-Legum_Charlie-Sykes.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260204T223446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T220316Z
UID:61133-1770638400-1770642000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The FBI Went Down to Georgia: 2026 Elections Under Threat
DESCRIPTION:On Monday\, February 9\, BigTentUSA convened Lauren Groh-Wargo\, Founder and CEO of Fair Fight Action\, and Wendy Weiser\, VP for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice\, to sound the alarm on escalating threats to the 2026 election. From the unprecedented seizure of Fulton County voting records to pushes for proof-of-citizenship laws and federal overreach\, speakers warned of a coordinated effort to reshape election control and suppress participation. \nThe Constitution remains a guardrail\, and courts have begun pushing back against unlawful overreach—but institutional defenses alone won’t hold. Protecting democracy now demands mass civic engagement: vote\, become a poll worker\, track ballots\, organize locally\, support election officials\, and use every legal and advocacy tool available. The warning was stark but empowering—autocracy thrives on silence\, so the moment calls for visible\, relentless participation. Democracy will only survive if we show up\, lock arms\, and defend it. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nLauren Groh-Wargo is a political and civic engagement strategist\, executive\, and advocate for economic and voting rights. She partnered with Stacey Abrams in 2012 to build Democratic and progressive infrastructure in Georgia\, and in response to 2018 voter suppression\, founded and serves as CEO of Fair Fight Action\, which combats suppression and advances voter education. Fair Fight played a key role in the 2020 election and 2021 Georgia runoff. An organizer at heart\, Lauren has led campaigns and advised nonprofits nationally for over 20 years. She holds an Economics degree from American University and lives in Atlanta with her partner and son. \nWendy Weiser is Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School\, where she oversees work on voting rights\, elections\, redistricting\, courts\, and abuse of power. A constitutional lawyer and democracy expert\, she directs research\, litigation\, policy\, advocacy\, and public education initiatives\, including programs on voting access\, judicial reform\, and executive power safeguards. Weiser has litigated landmark cases\, authored Supreme Court briefs\, advanced policies like automatic voter registration\, and contributed to the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts. She is a frequent speaker and media commentator. She holds a BA and JD from Yale.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-fbi-went-down-to-georgia/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Fair-Fight-Action_Brennan-Center-for-Justice.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260212T221712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T200533Z
UID:61547-1771527600-1771531200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Epstein Reckoning: What The Files Reveal About Power
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, February 19\, speakers dug into the latest revelations in the Epstein saga\, including high-profile arrests abroad\, and asked the pressing question: why is accountability happening overseas while America stalls? \nIn this urgent Big Tent conversation\, Camaron Stevenson and Nina Burleigh of COURIER Newsroom\, moderated by Kimberly Atkins Stohr of The Boston Globe\, explored what the document releases reveal about power\, money\, and political protection—and how entrenched interests may be slowing justice at home. They examined congressional inaction\, the role of media pressure\, and whether partisan gridlock is shielding key figures. The discussion made clear that transparency is not automatic; it’s forced by public demand. \nMost importantly\, this wasn’t just analysis—it was a call to action. Attendees were urged to push representatives for full\, un-redacted disclosures\, support investigative journalism\, and keep sustained pressure on institutions that would prefer silence. \nAccountability isn’t a spectator sport—it’s a citizen’s responsibility. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nNina Burleigh is a a journalist\, best-selling author\, documentary producer\, and publisher of a Substack on politics called American Freakshow. A contributing editor at The New Republic and frequent contributor to The New York Times and New York Magazine\, her journalism has been published widely including in translation in the Norwegian and Italian press. She’s the author of eight books on an array of topics including archaeological forgery\, scientists in 18th Century Egypt\, James Smithson\, Amanda Knox in Italy\, and the Trump women\, which were reviewed\, excerpted or covered in The New York Times\, The Wall Street Journal\, The Nation\, New York Magazine\, BBC\, ABC\, MSNBC\, and other media outlets. \nCamaron Stevenson is the Founding Editor and Chief Political Correspondent for The Copper Courier\, and has worked as a journalist in Phoenix for over a decade. He also teaches multimedia journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. \nKimberly Atkins Stohr is a senior opinion writer and columnist at The Boston Globe. She is also an MSNBC contributor\, a frequent panelist on NBC’s “Meet the Press\,” and co-host of the weekly Politicon legal news podcast #SistersInLaw. Previously\, Kim was the inaugural columnist for The Emancipator\, a collaboration between The Boston Globe and Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research that reframes the conversation about racial justice and equality.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-epstein-reckoning/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Protecting our Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Nina-Burleigh_Camaron-Stevenson.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260225T161523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T161218Z
UID:62274-1773169200-1773172800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Hands Off Our Ballots: Safeguarding The 2026 Midterms
DESCRIPTION:Democracy doesn’t defend itself—and the road to the 2026 midterms is already a battlefield. \nIn this BigTentUSA spotlight event\, legal experts Joyce Vance and Marc Elias\, moderated by Reed Galen\, broke down the growing threats to free and fair elections and what citizens can do right now to push back. The speakers warned that MAGA-aligned forces are laying the groundwork to challenge election results long before ballots are cast—through lawsuits\, state-level rule changes\, and coordinated efforts to undermine trust in the system. Elias highlighted how the courts remain a critical front line in protecting voting rights\, while Vance emphasized the broader rule-of-law stakes if election subversion tactics succeed. Both stressed that vigilance\, legal accountability\, and civic engagement are essential in the months ahead. \nThe takeaway was clear: safeguarding democracy in 2026 won’t happen automatically—it will require informed citizens\, organized communities\, and relentless defense of the rules that keep elections free and fair. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nMarc Elias is the Firm Chair of Elias Law Group.  Marc has successfully argued and won four cases in the U.S. Supreme Court\, as well as dozens of cases in state supreme courts and U.S. courts of appeal. In 2020\, Marc led the historic legal effort to protect voting rights\, winning over 60 lawsuits against MAGA’s efforts to suppress the vote. Marc is the founder of Democracy Docket\, the leading platform for advocacy and information about voting rights\, elections\, redistricting and democracy. \nJoyce White Vance is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Alabama\, a legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC\, and the author of the Civil Discourse newsletter. She co-hosts the podcasts #SistersInLaw and Insider with Preet Bharara. A former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama under President Obama. Joyce lives in Alabama with her husband\, retired Judge Robert Vance Jr.\, their four kids\, a collection of pets—and she knits\, a lot. \nReed Galen is an independent political strategist\, co-founder of The Lincoln Project\, and currently serves as the President of The Union\, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers\, organizers\, and local leaders to support decent\, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/hands-off-our-ballots/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Marc-Elias_Joyce-Vance.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260324T192641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T184135Z
UID:62935-1774983600-1774987200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:On The Brink: The Iran War Explained
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, March 31\, Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4) and national security expert Miles Taylor unpacked the Iran conflict\, explaining how geopolitical tensions\, media narratives\, and domestic politics are intersecting in ways that could increase the risk of escalation. Moderated by Charlie Sykes\, author of the To The Contrary newsletter and podcast\, speakers emphasized that the human\, economic\, and global consequences of conflict are often treated too abstractly\, underscoring the importance of staying informed and engaged. \nThe discussion also focused on practical ways individuals can take action: diversifying news sources\, contacting elected officials to end U.S involvement in the war with Iran\, backing candidates committed to democratic norms in competitive races\, and engaging in informed conversations within their communities. \nThe takeaway was straightforward: understanding the stakes is important\, but meaningful change depends on sustained engagement and informed action. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJim Himes was elected to Congress in 2008 and has since built a record delivering results for Connecticut families. He has served in key roles including Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and as a senior member of the Financial Services Committee\, focusing on economic growth\, national security\, and bipartisan solutions. He previously chaired the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and has a long history of local service\, including with the Greenwich Housing Authority and other community organizations. \nMiles Taylor is a national security expert who works in Washington\, DC as Founder of DEFIANCE.org. Taylor previously served as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security\, where he published a bombshell “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times\, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning\, revealed himself to be the author\, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection. Taylor is also the author of The New York Times best-selling book Blowback and the host of the iHeartRadio podcast “The Whistleblowers.” \nCharlie Sykes is the author of the Substack newsletter\, “To the Contrary\,” and contributes to The Atlantic and MSNBC. His most recent book\, How the Right Lost Its Mind\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, was released in October 2017. \nSykes has written for The New York Times\, The Atlantic\, The Weekly Standard\, The Washington Post\, Commentary\, The Wall Street Journal\, Politico\, The Los Angeles Times\, Newsweek\, Time.com\, USA Today\, National Review\, The New York Review of Books\, the New York Daily News\, and other national publications.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/iran-war-explained/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Recap_Jim-Himes_Miles-Taylor_Charlie-Sykes-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192019
CREATED:20260325T234809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T213702Z
UID:62943-1775736000-1775739600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Courageous Citizenship: Bridging the Divide
DESCRIPTION:What if the path out of America’s division starts with a constructive conversation? \nJoin the BigTentUSA community on April 9 at 12pm ET for a powerful and interactive TentTalk with Randy Freeman and Michael Asbury of Braver Angels\, the nation’s largest cross-partisan volunteer movement working to bridge America’s political divide. Moderated by Jess Piper\, Executive Director of Blue Missouri\, they’ll walk us through the Braver Angels approach—a proven process that helps people engage across differences\, listen with curiosity\, and find unexpected common ground. \nTo help make this a more impactful experience\, speakers ask that all attendees print out and complete a short questionnaire in advance and come prepared to reflect on your responses during the event. Don’t overthink it—go with the answers that feel right to you (no judgment). \nYou’ll hear real stories of communities healing deep political rifts and learn practical tools you can use to bring more productive\, courageous conversations into your own life and community. \nIf democracy depends on us talking to each other\, this is where we start. Join us. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJess Piper is a mother to five and grandmother to three and lives on a small farm on the Missouri/Iowa border. She was born and raised in rural America. She was an American Literature teacher for 16 years. After the 2016 election of Trump\, Jess became politically active. Jess ran for office in 2022 for State Representative in HD1 in Northwest Missouri. Jess writes a well known newsletter: The View from Rural Missouri \nRandy Freeman is a retired psychotherapist and couples therapist who joined Braver Angels in 2017 because she was upset about the political divisiveness. She is presently the New York State Coordinator\, an Ambassador and a moderator for the organization.  Randy sees this as a continuation of her work as a couples therapist and sees her role as a therapist for the country.  \nMichael Asbury is the Co-Chair of the Capital Region of NY State Alliance of Braver Angels since 2020\, one of over 125 such local Alliances across the USA. Serving with a Co-Chair of the opposite political persuasion\, he guides the local mission of Braver Angels to bring Americans together by bridging the partisan divide to strengthen our democratic republic\, and by seeking common ground where none was formerly known.  Braver Angels works with all those answering the call for civic renewal.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/courageous-citizenship/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,BigTent Action Opportunities,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RSVP_Braver-Angels-Jess-Piper.webp
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