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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T180000
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UID:67808-1792605600-1792609200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:An American Perspective: Heather Cox Richardson and Aaron Parnas
DESCRIPTION:At BigTentUSA’s October 21 launch of the Words\, Power & Politics series\, historian Heather Cox Richardson and moderator Aaron Parnas connected today’s democratic threats to history’s struggles over power. They examined how propaganda distorts political language\, oligarchic wealth undermines democratic government\, and partisan loyalty weakens constitutional checks on presidential authority. \nTheir message: Americans still have the power to push back. State election systems provide critical safeguards\, but protecting democracy requires turnout\, public pressure\, and vigilance beyond Election Day. Richardson urged Congress to reclaim its authority\, pursue accountability\, and deliver policies that improve people’s lives. Both speakers called for confronting money’s influence in politics and strengthening democratic institutions. \nThe conversation closed with hope rooted in collective action: Americans have rebuilt democracy before\, and can do it again. Vote. Volunteer. Support election workers. Speak up—and turn anxiety into daily action to protect the government that belongs to us. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \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 the bestselling “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America and How the South Won the Civil War“. Her newsletter\, “Letters from an American“\, a daily chronicle of the history behind American politics\, is read by over 6 million subscribers. \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/democracy-and-freedom/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T190000
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DTSTAMP:20261022T223534Z
CREATED:20261022T185754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T223534Z
UID:68004-1793214000-1793217600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Election Integrity: Who’s Securing Our Vote?
DESCRIPTION:How is election security being protected? What are officials doing behind the scenes to ensure a fair and free election? \nJoin BigTentUSA on Wednesday\, October 28 at 7 pm ET for a captivating conversation with Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar (D) and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D)\, to discuss the efforts to preserve a protected election at the state level\, particularly in states where election deniers are on the ballot. \nTogether\, the duo will explore the role of state and local leaders in upholding democratic approaches\, and the strategies used to defend the election ahead\, one state at a time. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nCisco Aguilar serves as Nevada’s Secretary of State. He also serves as chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. Prior to being elected\, Secretary Aguilar served twelve years as General Counsel for Agassi Graf\, the management company for Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf\, and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. Passionate about education\, Secretary Aguilar is the Founding Chairman of Cristo Rey St. Viator High School\, which provides an innovative workforce development program in one of Las Vegas’ most vulnerable neighborhoods. Secretary Aguilar also served on the Nevada Athletic Commission regulating boxing and mixed martial arts for eight years\, two of which he served as Chairman. He is the first Latino to serve as Nevada Secretary of State. \nShenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State and first female Secretary of State. She is a member of the National Association of Secretaries of State where she serves as a member of the Elections Committee\, Business Services Committee and the Cybersecurity Committee. She serves on the national Executive Committee of the Election Infrastructure – Information and Analysis Center\, which she chaired from 2024-2025. In Maine\, Secretary Bellows serves on the Board of InforME and on the State of Maine Cybersecurity Advisory Council. She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maine at Augusta\, where she worked as Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine from 2018 to 2020. Secretary Bellows grew up in Hancock and is a graduate of Ellsworth High School. She holds a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/whos-securing-our-vote/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
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