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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T200000
DTSTAMP:20260728T135920Z
CREATED:20260710T215350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T135920Z
UID:66684-1785178800-1785182400@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:People Over Power: Fighting Corruption\, Strengthening Alaska
DESCRIPTION:Alaska’s future is on the ballot—and this conversation made clear that the stakes extend far beyond the Last Frontier. \nOn Monday\, July 27\, in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by independent journalist Rebecca Nagle\, Senate candidate Mary Peltola and congressional candidate Bill Hill outlined a vision centered on putting Alaskans ahead of partisan politics. Both emphasized the crushing cost of living\, the need to strengthen local economies\, and protecting Alaska’s fisheries and natural resources while creating long-term economic opportunity. They also addressed the difficult balance between Alaska’s dependence on oil revenue and the accelerating impacts of climate change\, arguing that responsible energy policy must be paired with investments in sustainable industries and resilient communities. The candidates highlighted threats to the rule of law\, government accountability\, and the importance of reducing corruption\, while stressing the need to expand voter access—particularly in remote and Alaska Native communities where geographic barriers make participation more difficult. \nThe discussion closed with a call for practical leadership\, civic engagement\, and cross-partisan collaboration to ensure every Alaskan has a voice in shaping the state’s future. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nMary Peltola is a lifelong Alaskan\, and running for U.S. Senate. She is a mother of seven and a proven champion for all Alaska workers and families. Mary grew up in the close-knit communities of Kwethluk\, Tuntutuliak\, Platinum\, and Bethel\, where she began fishing with her father at the age of six before becoming a fishing boat captain at age 14\, and a herring and salmon technician for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game during college. After being elected to the state legislature at the age of 24\, Mary chaired the bipartisan Bush Caucus which helped lower energy prices and improve public safety for rural Alaskans. \nMary has fought for Alaska by leading the coalition to secure the Willow Oil Project – which is the largest development of Alaska oil in recent history and a source of stable\, good paying union jobs; launching the fight against factory trawlers in 2022 and fighting for first-of-its-kind legislation to ban bottom trawling; organizing town halls across the state and rallying Alaskans to successfully stop the Kroger-Albertson’s merger that would have raised grocery prices and hurt workers. She has spent her life fighting for Alaskans\, and that’s exactly what she’ll do in the U.S. Senate. \nBill Hill is running for Alaska’s Congressional At-Large seat\, and grew up in a small village in Bristol Bay\, Alaska – the home of the largest salmon run in the world. He grew up subsistence fishing and hunting\, trapping\, and raising and racing sled dog teams with his family. Bill is first and foremost a commercial fisherman\, joining his dad on the family fishing boat when he was 12 and fishing every fishing season in Bristol Bay since. Bill also worked in rural construction\, from building houses\, working on remote health clinics and canneries\, environmental remediation\, and on a crew that installed the sewer system in the Bristol Bay Borough. A son of two teachers\, Bill spent nearly 25 years working as a teacher\, a principal\, and a superintendent\, and was named Alaska Superintendent of the Year in 2023. He’s a proud union guy\, having been part of both the Laborers union and the NEA. Bill is a husband\, dad of four\, and Chada (grandpa) to 7. Bill and his family have lived in Anchorage\, Fairbanks\, and Juneau. Now he and his wife Diane are back in Naknek\, population 470. \nRebecca Nagle is an award winning journalist and citizen of Cherokee Nation. She is the author of “By The Fire We Carry: The Generation-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land” and the writer and host of the podcast “This Land“. Her writing on Native representation\, federal Indian law\, and tribal sovereignty has been featured in the Atlantic\, the Washington Post\, The Guardian\, USA Today\, Indian Country Today\, and more. Rebecca Nagle is the recipient of the American Mosaic Journalism Prize\, Women’s Media Center’s Exceptional Journalism Award\, a Peabody Nominee\, and numerous awards from the Native American Journalist Association. Nagle lives in Tahlequah\, OK.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/fighting-corruption-strengthening-alaska/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Recap_Peltola_Hill_Nagle.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T200000
DTSTAMP:20260817T194706Z
CREATED:20260720T181410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T194706Z
UID:67056-1785956400-1785960000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Gridlock: What It Takes to Make Congress Work
DESCRIPTION:Congress can’t solve America’s biggest challenges if it’s stuck—and this conversation explored why\, and what it will take to move forward. \nOn August 5\, Dr. Maya Kornberg\, Senior Research Fellow at The Brennan Center for Justice and author of STUCK: How Money\, Media\, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress\, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)\, examined the forces that keep Congress from delivering results\, including relentless fundraising demands\, the growing threat of political violence\, media incentives\, and outdated institutional structures. Despite these barriers\, both speakers emphasized that meaningful reform is possible through stronger ethics rules\, campaign finance reform\, better-resourced congressional staff\, and a renewed commitment to making government work for the people it serves. They also challenged Americans to embrace a forward-looking vision of democracy that reflects the nation’s growing diversity rather than clinging to the past. \nThe discussion closed with a clear reminder that protecting democracy requires more than voting—it demands sustained civic engagement. With Election Day approaching\, attendees were encouraged to take action every day by organizing\, advocating\, and helping build a government that truly represents the American people. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nMaya L. Kornberg\, Ph.D.\, is a senior research fellow and manager at NYU Law’s Brennan Center for Justice. She is the author of the book “Stuck: How Money\, Media\, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress” (Johns Hopkins University Press) and “Inside Congressional Committees: Function and Dysfunction in Lawmaking” (Columbia University Press). Her work has appeared in The Washington Post\, NPR\, BBC\, The New York Times\, Newsweek\, The Hill\, Slate\, and other outlets. \nCongresswoman Lauren Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and is the first woman\, first person of color\, and first millennial to serve her community in Congress. A registered nurse\, she is the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus\, leading efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate disparities. She also serves as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and on the House Appropriations Committee. Before Congress\, Rep. Underwood served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\, where she helped implement the Affordable Care Act and strengthen the nation’s public health preparedness.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/beyond-the-gridlock/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Recap_Maya-Kornberg_Lauren-Underwood.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260810T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260810T150000
DTSTAMP:20260814T171056Z
CREATED:20260804T182402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T171056Z
UID:67087-1786370400-1786374000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:From Outrage to Organizing: The Fight Ahead
DESCRIPTION:Democracy won’t be saved by outrage alone—it will be saved by people who turn anger into organized\, sustained action. \nIn this August 10 BigTentUSA Substack Live\, The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson and The Existentialist Republic’s Christopher Armitage argued that the fight ahead requires moving from emotional reaction to practical\, repeatable civic engagement. \nWilson emphasized the stakes of the 2026 midterms\, arguing that a decisive electoral victory could help rebuild democratic institutions and limit attempts to undermine election results. He urged Democrats to stay focused on voters’ top concerns—prices\, inflation\, jobs\, the economy\, and corruption—and to make the case for change clearly and consistently. \nArmitage focused on the mechanics of authoritarianism\, including misinformation\, information overload\, and efforts to make people feel powerless. Rather than dismissing or insulting people who believe misinformation\, he encouraged asking questions that prompt them to examine where their beliefs come from. \nBoth speakers stressed the importance of grassroots organizing\, especially at the state and local level. They called for sustained pressure on elected officials\, stronger protection of voting rights\, and participation in every election—not just presidential races. The central message was simple: meaningful change comes from millions of people taking small\, concrete actions consistently. The goal isn’t just to resist—it’s to organize\, act\, and win. \nActionable items mentioned: \n\nVote in every election\, including midterms and local races such as county commissions and city councils.\nIf you encounter a problem voting\, request a provisional ballot.\nContact state officials—particularly governors\, attorneys general\, and secretaries of state—to urge them to prepare for potential federal intervention or unlawful actions affecting elections.\nWrite letters and make calls to elected officials\, including officials who may not share your political affiliation.\nPressure local and state-level officials with specific\, concrete demands.\nChallenge misinformation through questions\, such as asking where someone heard a claim\, why they believe it\, and what led them to that conclusion.\nTake small civic actions consistently rather than waiting for a major moment—actions should be manageable enough to do regularly\, even during a morning coffee.\nFocus grassroots organizing on lower-level political offices and races\, where sustained public pressure can have an impact.\nKeep the 2026 midterms front and center\, with a focus on building a large enough electoral victory to protect democratic institutions and democratic outcomes.\n\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. \nFounder of The Lincoln Project\, Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist\, an award-winning ad-maker and podcast host\, writer\, speaker\, and political commentator who appears on MSNBC\, CNN\, ABC News\, NPR\, Real Time with Bill Maher\, and various American and international news outlets. A 30-year veteran of national Republican politics\, Rick got his start in the 1988 Presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush and has produced groundbreaking and award-winning political advertising\, strategic counsel to winning political candidates\, SuperPACs\, state parties\, the national campaign committees\, and corporate\, association\, and government clients across the nation and around the world. Rick has authored two New York Times bestsellers – “Everything Trump Touches Dies” and “Running Against The Devil – A Plot To Save America from Trump And Democrats From Themselves” – and often writes for the Byline Times\, The Washington Post\, Politico\, Rolling Stone\, The Hill\, The Bulwark\, and The London Spectator. Rick’s podcast also won the Best Political Podcast award at this year’s prestigious Webby Awards.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/from-outrage-to-organizing/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Recap_Chris-Armitage_Rick-Wilson.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260818T200000
DTSTAMP:20260820T221350Z
CREATED:20260812T140641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T221350Z
UID:67129-1787079600-1787083200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Defunding the Media: Voices Under Threat
DESCRIPTION:Local journalism is too important to lose—and it needs a new playbook. \nOn August 18\, Chicago Public Media CEO and Vox co-founder Melissa Bell and New York Times columnist and fellow Vox co-founder Ezra Klein explored what it will take to rebuild local news and restore trust in our communities. They discussed how the collapse of traditional media business models and the rise of tech platforms have pulled audiences and advertising away from local news. The answer\, they argued\, is not simply more investigative reporting. Local news organizations need to give people useful\, everyday information that connects them to their communities while building sustainable businesses around it. \nThey also called for news organizations to work together rather than compete\, invest in technology they control\, and find new ways to bring people together locally. Just as important\, journalism must maintain a fair reporting process while building stronger relationships with audiences. \nThe future of local news—and our communities—depends on building something better now. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nMelissa Bell has been Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Media since September 2024. She co-founded Vox.com in 2014 and helped pioneer explainer journalism while leading multiplatform products including the Today\, Explained podcast and Netflix’s Explained. As publisher of Vox Media\, she oversaw its editorial brands and helped lead its mergers with New York Magazine and Group Nine. Previously\, Bell directed digital platforms at The Washington Post and was a founding Features Editor for Mint. In 2023\, she became a visiting fellow at Oxford University’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. \nEzra Klein joined New York Times Opinion in 2021. He is the host of the podcast “The Ezra Klein Show” and the author of “Why We’re Polarized” and\, with Derek Thompson\, “Abundance.” Previously\, he was the founder\, editor in chief and then editor at large of Vox. Before that\, he was a columnist and editor at The Washington Post\, where he founded and led the Wonkblog vertical.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/media-voices-under-threat/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Recap_Melissa-Bell_Ezra-Klein.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T180000
DTSTAMP:20260903T223911Z
CREATED:20260807T222545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T223911Z
UID:67109-1787245200-1787248800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Fueling Future Voters: Engaging a New Generation
DESCRIPTION:Young people don’t need to be told to care about democracy—they need meaningful opportunities to shape it. \nIn this August 20 conversation\, Laura Brill\, founder and CEO of The Civics Center\, and Ben Sheehan\, executive producer and host of Civics Made Easy\, discussed how student-led voter registration drives can close youth registration gaps and build lifelong civic habits. Brill highlighted the power of trusted messengers—including friends\, family\, teachers\, coaches\, and community leaders—and emphasized creating a sense of belonging and giving students ownership of the process. The Civics Center is on track to support 600 voter registration drives this midterm cycle\, building on a seven-percentage-point increase in 18-year-old registration over four years. The discussion also covered working with schools and districts\, new classroom resources\, and ways adults can help students get involved. \nThe path to stronger youth participation starts with putting young people in the driver’s seat—and giving them the tools to lead. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nLaura W. Brill is an attorney\, former law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg\, and a mother of two young adults. An award-winning advocate with more than two decades of experience working on complex legal issues and advocating for equal voting rights\, she launched The Civics Center\, a nonpartisan nonprofit\, to stop youth voter suppression and tackle the decades-old problem of low youth turnout. Her most recent article is “Getting Youth Engaged in Democracy\,” Stanford Social Innovation Review\, Winter 2026. \nBen Sheehan is the creator and host of Civics Made Easy\, a new PBS show that explains the fundamentals of American government. He is also the bestselling author of “What Does the Constitution Actually Say?“\, an entertaining guide that has been praised by legal scholars\, historians\, and politicians across the aisle. As a commentator Ben has appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher\, Good Morning America\, CBS News\, PBS Newshour\, Amanpour & Co\, and more. He also writes the bestselling Substack\, Politics Made Easy\, and has an active social media presence with more than 250\,000 engaged followers.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/fueling-future-voters/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Recap_Laura-Brill_Ben-Sheehan.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260901T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260901T130000
DTSTAMP:20260922T160347Z
CREATED:20260819T001656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T160347Z
UID:67508-1788264000-1788267600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Beyond Trumpism: America at a Crossroads
DESCRIPTION:How did we get here—and what can we do about it? \nOn Tuesday\, September 1\, in a wide-ranging conversation\, Anthony Scaramucci\, author of “All the Wrong Moves: How Three Catastrophic Decisions Led to the Rise of Trump\,” and Reed Galen\, President of The Union and co-founder of The Lincoln Project\, examined the economic and political forces they believe have reshaped American politics\, from globalization and tax policy to the financial crisis\, rising inequality\, and the growing influence of money in politics. Scaramucci argued that economic insecurity has fueled populism across the political spectrum\, while both speakers emphasized the need to rebuild opportunity and strengthen the middle class. \nThe conversation also tackled the future of work and AI\, with Scaramucci highlighting the technology’s potential to increase productivity while calling for policies that ensure its benefits are broadly shared. They discussed the costs of war\, fiscal responsibility\, environmental challenges\, and the need to strengthen democratic institutions. \nThe takeaway was clear: solving today’s challenges requires looking beyond partisan divides—and taking action in our communities\, at the ballot box\, and through reforms that encourage broader participation. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nAnthony Scaramucci is an American investor and entrepreneur. He is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital\, a global alternative investment firm\, and the founder and chairman of SALT\, a global thought leadership forum and investment platform. \nScaramucci co-hosts two podcasts — “The Rest Is Politics US” and “Open Book” — and has authored nine books covering finance and geopolitics\, including “All The Wrong Moves\,” due out in September 2026. \nIn 2016\, Scaramucci served on President Donald J. Trump’s Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee before a brief tenure as White House Communications Director. \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/beyond-trumpism-2/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Recap_Anthony-Scaramucci_Reed-Galen.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T200000
DTSTAMP:20260925T185112Z
CREATED:20260901T201728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T185112Z
UID:67699-1789671600-1789675200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Next 250: Why Civic Education Matters
DESCRIPTION:Civics is not a spectator sport—it is the operating system of democracy. \nIn a timely Big Tent USA conversation held on September 17\, moderator John Avlon joined iCivics CEO Louise Dubé and Citizen University CEO Eric Liu to make the case for rebuilding civic learning as a source of democratic resilience. They defined civics as more than memorizing branches of government: it combines knowledge\, practical skills\, and the confidence to exercise civic power. The panelists urged educators to connect lessons to real-world problems\, local decision-making\, civil dialogue\, and hands-on experiences—from interactive games to student-led community projects. They also emphasized supporting teachers amid political pressure\, teaching history and civics together\, and helping young people understand both their rights and responsibilities. On AI\, they argued for human-centered learning\, with technology serving as a carefully governed supplement—not a substitute for relationships and judgment. \nThe call to action was clear: learn the system\, engage locally\, and put civic power to work. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJohn Avlon is an award-winning journalist\, author\, news anchor\, and media executive. A former CNN senior political analyst and anchor\, editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast\, and the 2024 Democratic congressional nominee in New York’s First District\, he hosted “How to Fix It” on The Bulwark and serves as Chairman of Citizens Union. Avlon has authored six books\, including “Lincoln and the Fight for Peace” and “Washington’s Farewell“. A Yale University and Columbia Business School graduate\, he advocates for building a vital center in American politics. \nLouise Dubé serves as CEO of iCivics\, the nation’s largest provider of civic learning\, which champions and re-imagines history and civic education. Previously\, she served as Managing Director of Digital Learning at WGBH\, where she helped launch PBS LearningMedia\, a platform reaching 1.5 million educators. Before WGBH\, Louise built a successful career in K-12 educational technology. She has received numerous awards\, including the 2017 People’s Voice Award\, the 2018 Civvys Civic Collaboration National Award\, and recognition as a 2019 Donaldson Fellow by Yale SOM. Louise began her career as an attorney in Montreal and holds a law degree from McGill University and an MBA from Yale University. \nEric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University. He is the author of numerous acclaimed books\, including most recently “Become America: Civic Sermons on Love\, Responsibility\, and Democracy” — a New York Times New & Notable Book — and “Live Like a Citizen: 8 Ways to Change Your Mindset and Our Country“\, to be published in October 2026. Liu served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as the President’s deputy domestic policy adviser. He was later appointed by President Barack Obama to the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School\, Liu was elected in 2020 to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and co-chairs its Our Common Purpose commission. He lives in Seattle\, where he has served on the boards of the Seattle Public Library and the Washington State Board of Education.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/why-civic-education-matters/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Recap_Louise-Dube_Eric-Liu_John-Avlon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T200000
DTSTAMP:20261021T174956Z
CREATED:20260921T172520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T174956Z
UID:67812-1790794800-1790798400@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:From Service to Congress: Veterans Shaping the Future
DESCRIPTION:Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. \nAt BigTentUSA’s September 30 conversation with women veterans running for Congress\, Rebecca Bennett\, Cait Conley\, and Nancy Lacore joined moderator Janessa Goldbeck of VoteVets to make the case for leadership grounded in duty\, accountability\, and country over party. \nDrawing on their military careers\, the candidates emphasized decisive leadership\, teamwork across differences\, and rebuilding trust with voters. They outlined priorities including lowering living costs\, confronting corruption\, restoring congressional oversight\, and protecting military readiness. They warned that removing experienced military leaders threatens national security. \nWinning competitive districts\, they argued\, requires reaching beyond party loyalists: meeting families where they are\, listening to independents and Republicans\, and connecting shared values to practical solutions. On election security\, Conley expressed confidence in local officials while warning about efforts to discredit results. \nTheir challenge: turn concern into action. Knock doors\, make calls\, become a poll worker—and show up to vote. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nRebecca Bennett is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot\, officer in the Air National Guard\, business leader in healthcare\, and mom of two. Rebecca served in the Navy for over a decade as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander. After serving her country for over fifteen years in the military and making waves in healthcare innovation\, Rebecca is running for Congress to build a better future for our community. As a mom to two young girls\, Rebecca understands first-hand the challenges of balancing work & family while navigating inflation and the rising cost of living. \nCait Conley is a fourth-generation Hudson Valley native\, the daughter of a postal worker and a construction worker. She applied to West Point the day after 9/11 and went on to serve in the Army\, first as a military police officer and then in special operations leadership\, deploying six times and earning three Bronze Stars. She concluded her active-duty career as Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council\, where Russia sanctioned her for her work\, and then served as a senior executive at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency\, protecting critical infrastructure and the systems that run our elections. She put her life on the line to serve this country\, not any person or political party\, and especially not corporate special interests \nNancy Lacore served our nation for 35 years in the Navy\, a career that began as a helicopter pilot and culminated as a three star admiral and the Chief of Navy Reserve where she was entrusted to lead more than 60\,000 sailors. Nancy’s career took her around the world\, but it was always anchored by family and a deep love of country. In Nancy’s family\, service runs deep. Following in her dad’s footsteps\, Nancy accepted a ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross\, and was commissioned into the Navy after graduation. \nJanessa Goldbeck is the Senior Advisor to VoteVets\, an organization dedicated to lifting up the voices of veterans on matters of national security\, veterans’ care\, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served\, and their families. 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-shaping-the-future/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Recap_Bennett_Lacore_Conley.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T200000
DTSTAMP:20261021T194148Z
CREATED:20260929T224936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T194148Z
UID:67830-1791399600-1791403200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Threats to the Midterms: Protecting the Election
DESCRIPTION:Democracy needs defenders. Step up. \nAt BigTentUSA’s October 7 conversation\, Rep. Jim Himes (D\, CT-04) and Protect Democracy’s Ian Bassin joined moderator Dr. Kareem Crayton of The Brennan Center for Justice\, to examine threats to the midterms and how Americans can respond. Bassin outlined three tactics to watch: deceive\, disrupt\, and deny. Their strongest antidotes: accurate information\, legal action\, and organized public pressure. \nHimes warned about voter intimidation and potential efforts to obstruct the seating of Congress. Both speakers emphasized that voters should remain confident in the election process\, while staying alert to interference. They explained that counting takes time\, shifting totals do not signal fraud\, and certification is a duty\, not a political choice. \nTheir call to action: vote early\, consult local election officials\, verify information before sharing\, volunteer to protect voters\, and help others make voting plans. Keep civic action peaceful. \nTurn concern into action: cast your ballot\, defend your neighbors’ votes\, and make democracy count. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nDr. Kareem Crayton is vice president of the Brennan Center’s Washington\, DC\, office\, where he manages Beltway affairs and leads programs focused on the American South. A scholar of law\, politics\, and race\, he has authored more than two dozen publications and advised advocacy groups\, public officials\, and redistricting bodies. He previously led the Southern Coalition for Social Justice\, hiring and training a litigation team for two Supreme Court gerrymandering cases. He also taught nationwide. A Montgomery\, Alabama\, native\, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and holds a law degree and a doctorate in political science from Stanford University. \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. \nA product of New Jersey public schools\, Himes holds degrees from Harvard and Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and spent 12 years at Goldman Sachs before leading a nonprofit focused on affordable housing. He and his wife Mary raised their two children in Cos Cob\, where they have lived for nearly 30 years. \nIan Bassin is co-founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy. He previously served as Associate White House Counsel. His writing on democracy\, authoritarianism\, and American law and politics has appeared in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, The Los Angeles Times\, The Atlantic\, Slate\, Salon\, The New York Review of Books and other publications. He is a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship\, the Skoll Award for Social Innovation\, was named to the Time Magazine 100Next list of rising global leaders\, and has repeatedly been named among the 500 most influential people in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine. He received his J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. from Wesleyan University.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/threats-to-the-midterms/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/107-Social-Media-Toolkit_Rep.-Jim-Himes_Ian-Bassin-3.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T133000
DTSTAMP:20261021T231519Z
CREATED:20260915T164440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T231519Z
UID:67789-1791894600-1791898200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:“I Disagree:” The Politics of a Healthy Debate
DESCRIPTION:In BigTentUSA’s October 13 livestream with Jessica Tarlov and moderator Rachel Janfaza\, the duo unpacked how healthy disagreement can become a practical skill anyone can build. \nDrawing from her book\, “I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends”\, Tarlov urged viewers to lead with a “soft start\,” use humor to lower defenses\, and listen more than speak. Her message: acknowledge another perspective without accepting it\, and aim to open minds rather than force a conversion. Strong arguments require preparation: pair personal stories with reliable data\, follow polling trends\, and resist cherry-picking findings that confirm your beliefs. \nThe conversation also explored engaging younger voters\, prioritizing results over party labels\, and the personal risks of speaking out in today’s political climate. Throughout\, Tarlov emphasized kindness\, conviction\, and knowing when to step back. \nTake these tools to your next difficult conversation: stay curious\, speak with substance\, and be sharp without ever being cruel. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a rotating co-host of “The Five” (weekdays\, 5-6PM/ET). She also offers political analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network’s (FBN) programming. Tarlov has played a role in coverage of major political headlines since joining the network\, providing analysis throughout the 2024 election cycle from the primaries to Inauguration Day. Notably\, “The Five” made television history as the first non-primetime program to rank as the number one program in viewers and the A25-54 demo. Tarlov also hosts the podcast “Raging Moderates” alongside Scott Galloway. \nRachel Janfaza is the founder of The Up and Up\, a research\, media\, and strategy firm focused on Gen Z. A member of Generation Z herself\, Janfaza is best known for her theory of The Two Gen Zs. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, CNN\, Vox\, The Free Press\, Glamour\, POLITICO Magazine\, Teen Vogue\, Vogue\, Elle\, Cosmo\, and Bustle. And her on-air analysis has been featured on CNN\, CBS\, C-SPAN\, NY-1\, and WNYC Public Radio. She is also a contributor to The Bulwark.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/i-disagree/
LOCATION:https://open.substack.com/live-stream/363589?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Recap_Jessica-Tarlov_Rachel-Janfaza.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T174731Z
CREATED:20260917T191155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T174731Z
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/10.21-SOCIAL-MEDIA-TOOLKIT_HRC_Aaron-Parnas-1.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T200000
DTSTAMP:20261015T211433Z
CREATED:20261015T211433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T211433Z
UID:67897-1793041200-1793044800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Data Center Debate: Progress at What Cost?
DESCRIPTION:What’s the deal with data centers? What does it mean for communities caught in the middle? \nJoin BigTentUSA on Monday\, October 26 at 7pm ET for a powerful livestream conversation with Congressional candidate Justin Early (D\, TX-31)\, author and founder of Third Act Bill McKibben\, and Jess Piper\, executive director of Blue Missouri\, to discuss the development of data centers across the country\, and how it’s affecting communities economically\, environmentally\, and politically. \nAs this becomes a hot topic of conversation\, the trio will explore the implications of expanding data center production\, who will face the largest impacts\, and what this means for the future of our country. \nWatch live on BigTentUSA’s Substack\, YouTube\, and Facebook. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJustin Early is a candidate running for U.S. Representative in Texas’ 31st Congressional District. Growing up in a working-class family\, both of Early’s parents served in the U.S. army\, which motivated him to do the same. Early served as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg\, and then as a LAN Systems Administrator at the Defense Intelligence Agency in the Pentagon\, and continued in that role in the aftermath of 9/11. Since leaving the military\, Early has established a career in cybersecurity\, and currently works as a cybersecurity architect. \nBill McKibben is the founder of Third Act\, which organizes people over 60 for action on climate and justice. His 1989 book\, “The End of Nature“\, is regarded as the first book about climate change for a general audience. He has since written 20 books\, with work appearing in The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. McKibben helped found 350.org\, the first global grassroots climate campaign\, and played a leading role in opposition to Keystone XL and the fossil fuel divestment campaign. He is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College and has received the Gandhi Peace Prize and Right Livelihood Award. \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“
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/data-center-debate/
LOCATION:https://open.substack.com/live-stream/412448?utm_source=post-publish
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1026-Social-Media-Toolkit_Early_McKibben_Piper.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T200000
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1028-Social-Media-Toolkit_Cisco-Aguilar_Shenna-Bellows.webp
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