Cornhuskers Countdown: Nebraska and the 2026 Midterms
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | BigTent Zoom Room
On Thursday, March 19, BigTentUSA convened a TentTalk discussion highlighting the political stakes in Nebraska ahead of the 2026 midterms.
With Aaron Parnas as moderator, independent candidate for U.S. Senate Dan Osborn pointed to rising living costs and a worsening economic outlook for farmers—driven by flawed economic policies and tariffs—as the defining pressures shaping voter sentiment. He made clear that these challenges are fueling a growing demand for change—and that voters have the power to demand better.
Osborn called for meaningful campaign finance reform, arguing that local races should not require massive sums of money and that elected officials must remain accountable to constituents, not special interests. As a longtime registered Independent, he also urged participants to think beyond party lines and actively support candidates based on their ideas, integrity, and experience. The conversation positioned Nebraska as a critical proving ground for a broader movement toward accountability and reform.
Osborn closed with a powerful call to action, encouraging immediate support for Nebraskans affected by the largest wildfire in the state’s history—and reminding everyone that showing up for one another is where real change begins.
Support Nebraskans affected by the wildfires:

Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund
Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund
United Way of Western Nebraska
American Red Cross Nebraska Region
The Salvation Army
Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Dan Osborn is a steamfitter and former union leader who gained national attention leading the 77-day Kellogg’s strike in Omaha in 2021. As president of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G, he successfully negotiated wage increases and prevented implementation of a two-tier wage system for over 1,400 workers. A U.S. Navy veteran and father of three, Osborn has spent the last 20 years punching a clock as a steamfitter and industrial engineer, work that he continues to do while campaigning for Senate. He is running as an independent candidate focused on economic issues affecting working families.
Aaron 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.
He 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.

Courageous Citizenship: Bridging the Divide
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:00
What if the path out of America’s division starts with a constructive conversation?
Join 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.
To 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).
You’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.
If democracy depends on us talking to each other, this is where we start. Join us.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Jess 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
Randy 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.
Michael 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.
