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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T153235Z
CREATED:20250702T133536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T153235Z
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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/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250716T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250716T200000
DTSTAMP:20250813T183858Z
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:20250813T013918Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T153137Z
CREATED:20250808T153607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T153137Z
UID:60200-1755802800-1755806400@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Conversation with Change Maker Jane Fonda | A Life of Activism
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday\, August 21 at 7:00 PM ET for an intimate conversation with Jane Fonda — legendary actor\, activist\, and two‑time Academy Award winner—moderated by Rachel Janfaza\, founder of The Up and Up newsletter. Fonda will reflect on her extraordinary journey as a change maker and her unwavering commitment to the fight against the climate crisis. \nFrom standing on the frontlines of social justice movements to founding Fire Drill Fridays\, Jane has spent decades challenging power\, inspiring action\, and mobilizing people across generations to protect our planet. She will share lessons from a lifetime of activism\, her vision for a sustainable future\, and how each of us can join the movement to safeguard our environment for generations to come. \nThis is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices of our time about what it takes to create lasting change — and why the fight for our planet is the fight of our lives. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJANE FONDA is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor (Best Actress in 1971 for Klute and in 1978 for Coming Home)\, producer\, author\, activist\, and fitness guru. Her career has spanned over 50 years\, accumulating a body of film work that includes more than 50 films and significant contributions to political causes such as women’s rights\, Native Americans’ rights\, and environmental protection. She is a seven-time Golden Globe® winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021. She accepted The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. In April of 2024\, Fonda accepted the TIME Magazine Earth Award. She also recently received the SAG Life Achievement Award in February 2025. \nFonda led the charge on the climate emergency via Fire Drill Fridays\, the national movement to protest government inaction on climate change\, which she started in October 2019 in partnership with Greenpeace USA. In 2022\, she launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC\, focused on defeating political allies of the fossil fuel industry. Her latest book\, “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair to Action\,” details her personal journey with the movement and provides solutions for communities to combat the climate crisis. \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.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/conversation-with-change-maker-jane-fonda-a-life-of-activism/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Jane-Fonda-169.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T190000
DTSTAMP:20250918T180830Z
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:20251029T204125Z
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:20251026T201506Z
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:20251024T184659Z
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:20251112T210912Z
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:20251121T181212Z
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:20251210T175325Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T200000
DTSTAMP:20251212T202315Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T200000
DTSTAMP:20260116T222828Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T200000
DTSTAMP:20260121T224025Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260130T161652Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260210T220316Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260223T200533Z
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:20260312T161218Z
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T130000
DTSTAMP:20260326T192003Z
CREATED:20260309T200933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T192003Z
UID:62452-1773921600-1773925200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Cornhuskers Countdown: Nebraska and the 2026 Midterms
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, March 19\, BigTentUSA convened a TentTalk discussion highlighting the political stakes in Nebraska ahead of the 2026 midterms. \nWith 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. \nOsborn 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. \nOsborn 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. \nSupport Nebraskans affected by the wildfires: \n\nNebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund\nNebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund\nUnited Way of Western Nebraska\nAmerican Red Cross Nebraska Region\nThe Salvation Army\nNebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund\n\n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nDan 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. \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/cornhuskers-countdown/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Recap_Dan-Osborn_Aaron-Parnas.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T200000
DTSTAMP:20260402T184135Z
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:20260415T203557Z
CREATED:20260325T234809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T203557Z
UID:62943-1775736000-1775739600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Courageous Citizenship: Bridging the Divide
DESCRIPTION:On April 9\, BigTentUSA convened a timely conversation featuring 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\, the trio explored how Americans can better navigate political differences. Drawing on lived experiences\, Jess noted a shift in her rural Missouri community\, where some previously loyal MAGA voters are beginning to question the Trump Administration as policies more directly affect their daily lives. \nSpeakers shared practical techniques for engaging across divides\, grounded in real-world examples of communities working through deep disagreement. A central theme was focusing on what individuals can control: their own mindset\, how they listen\, and how they communicate. Participants were encouraged to approach conversations with curiosity\, while also recognizing when it’s more productive to disengage from those unwilling to listen. The discussion emphasized that this work unfolds over time\, positioning the Braver Angels approach as a long-term investment in rebuilding trust and strengthening civic dialogue. \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/Recap_Braver-Angels-Jess-Piper.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T151349Z
CREATED:20260413T160318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T151349Z
UID:62998-1776798000-1776801600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Next Wave: New Leaders\, Real Change
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, April 21\, Congressional candidates\, Shannon Bird (CO-8)\, Paige Cognetti (PA-8)\, and Nancy Lacore (SC-1)\, shared relatable stories in a powerful discussion moderated by Alli Peters of Majority Democrats. From voters struggling with rising costs and deepening distrust in government to a growing sense that leaders have lost touch\, no issue was off the table. The candidates pointed to stark examples—a senior forced to choose between groceries and medical care\, and communities demanding greater transparency—to underscore a consistent message: the country is facing a dual crisis of affordability and accountability. \nEach candidate emphasized practical leadership rooted in service—whether balancing budgets\, defending democratic institutions\, or putting people over special interests. They pushed back on extremism and highlighted the need to rebuild trust through responsiveness and results. \nThe throughline: change won’t come from Washington alone. Citizens are urged to take action—engage locally\, support candidates who reflect their values\, stay informed\, and speak up consistently. \nThe stakes are real\, and so is the opportunity—this moment demands participation\, not spectatorship. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nShannon Bird\, raised by a hardworking single mother and grandmother\, understands the struggles families face and is committed to fighting for hardworking Coloradans. After a career in law and public service\, she became a strong advocate for equitable education and community empowerment. In the Colorado State House\, she has fought for job creation\, small businesses\, reproductive rights\, and climate action. Now\, she is running for Congress in Colorado’s Eighth District to defend democracy and ensure Colorado remains a place where everyone can achieve their dreams. \nMayor Paige Cognetti has built her career on making government more accountable\, transparent\, and responsive. After uncovering corruption as a state auditor and serving on the Scranton School Board\, she ran for mayor in 2019 as an Independent and won\, becoming the city’s first woman mayor. In office\, she has taken on special interests\, eliminated waste\, restored finances to investment grade\, secured over $155 million in funding\, and driven economic growth. She is now running for Congress to bring that commitment to Washington. \nNancy Lacore served for 35 years in the Navy\, beginning as a helicopter pilot and rising to three-star admiral and Chief of Navy Reserve\, leading more than 60\,000 sailors. Her career took her around the world\, grounded in family and a deep love of country. Following her father’s footsteps\, she earned an ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross and was commissioned after graduation. She and her husband Pat\, also a Navy pilot\, have been married 30 years and raised six children with a strong sense of service. \nAlli Peters is Chief Digital Officer at Majority Democrats and a director and editor based between Los Angeles and Madison\, Wisconsin. She most recently managed Adam Schiff’s successful U.S. Senate campaign. Her work focuses on reshaping how people perceive the Democratic Party: restoring trust through human\, optimistic storytelling that shows how politics can meaningfully improve people’s lives.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-next-wave/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Recap_Bird_Cognetti_Lacore.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T200000
DTSTAMP:20260508T193212Z
CREATED:20260420T211010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T193212Z
UID:63370-1777575600-1777579200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:America’s Next Chapter: Renewal\, Tough Leadership\, and 2028
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, April 30 BigTentUSA hosted Amb. Rahm Emanuel in a candid discussion moderated by Rachel Janfaza of The Up and Up. \nIn the discussion\, Amb. Emanuel argued that corruption and dysfunction have become normalized in American politics\, eroding trust at home and credibility abroad. His core message: the country doesn’t need more partisan reruns—it needs results. \nHe laid out his vision for middle-class economics\, strong public education\, public safety\, and restoring faith in institutions. He connected big-picture concerns—like global competition and democratic stability—to urgent domestic failures\, especially in education\, where declining literacy rates threaten long-term opportunity and economic strength. \nAmb. Emanuel also previewed his “six for ’26” agenda focused on raising wages\, lowering health care costs\, and enforcing real ethics reforms\, while drawing a sharp contrast with both Trumpism and ideological extremes within his own party. \nThe bottom line: Deliver results\, rebuild trust\, and prove government can work again. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nRahm I. Emanuel most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan\, where he strengthened the U.S.-Japan alliance and supported expanded security cooperation. He previously served as the 55th Mayor of Chicago\, leading major investments in education\, public safety\, infrastructure\, and economic development\, including universal pre-K\, free community college\, and the O’Hare modernization program. Earlier\, he was President Obama’s Chief of Staff\, helping pass the Recovery Act and Affordable Care Act\, and served four terms in Congress. Emanuel also held senior roles in the Clinton administration. He holds degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University. \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/americas-next-chapter/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Recap_Rahm-Emanuel_Rachel-Janfaza.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260518T155115Z
CREATED:20260427T202703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T155115Z
UID:63401-1778092200-1778095800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Securing the States: Protecting Our Vote
DESCRIPTION:Democracy isn’t defending itself—and this conversation made clear that the frontlines run straight through the states. \nOn May 6\, BigTentUSA hosted a powerful discussion moderated by Joanna Lydgate of States United Action. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and New Mexico’s Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin laid out the growing threats to free and fair elections—and the leaders fighting back. \nThe speakers warned that attacks on election workers\, misinformation campaigns\, voter intimidation\, and efforts to undermine public trust are already shaping the road to 2028. But they also emphasized that coordinated state-level leadership defeated attempts to overturn the 2020 election and can do so again. From protecting vote-by-mail access to preventing intimidation at polling sites\, both leaders stressed the importance of proactive safeguards and community engagement. \nThe message was unmistakable: volunteer to serve as a poll worker\, support trusted local election officials\, and stay engaged year-round—because protecting democracy starts long before Election Day. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nAmanda López Askin is a public servant rooted in New Mexico\, raised in Las Cruces by a hardworking single mother who relied on assistance and public housing. She became a therapist\, helping children in foster care\, before serving as Doña Ana County Clerk. In that role\, she leads with fairness and compassion\, ensuring election integrity while combating misinformation and protecting election workers. Now running for Secretary of State\, Amanda is focused on keeping elections safe and secure\, expanding voter access and education\, increasing campaign finance transparency\, and supporting small businesses by streamlining licensing processes across the state. \nJocelyn Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State and a Democratic candidate for governor. Raised in a working-class family by two special education teachers\, she was shaped by values of hard work\, opportunity\, and service. Since 2019\, she has transformed Michigan’s motor vehicle services\, improving efficiency with 150+ convenient self-service stations\, while strengthening election security and access. In the face of threats to both herself and her colleagues\, she oversaw two of the highest-turnout\, transparent elections in state history. Benson is running for governor to expand efficient\, accessible public services\, lower costs for working families\, and invest in education\, housing\, child care\, health care\, and economic development for all. \nJoanna Lydgate is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the States United Democracy Center and States United Action\, nonpartisan organizations dedicated to preserving the rule of law and free\, fair\, secure elections. Since 2020\, States United has provided legal\, research\, policy\, and communications support to state officials. Before launching States United\, Joanna served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Massachusetts. In that role\, she coordinated multi-state litigation and worked with a bipartisan team of colleagues from across the country to uphold shared values\, protect civil liberties\, and defend the rule of law. She also oversaw criminal enforcement\, coordinating daily with local\, state\, and federal law enforcement partners. Joanna has served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office\, was a law clerk to Judge Norman H. Stahl on the First Circuit Court of Appeals\, and worked in nonprofit legal services in New York City. She is a graduate of Yale University and the University of California\, Berkeley\, School of Law.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/securing-the-states/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Recap_Lopez-Askin_Benson_Lydgate.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T200000
DTSTAMP:20260528T211508Z
CREATED:20260506T152501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T211508Z
UID:63427-1778785200-1778788800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Power & Representation: The Post-Callais Fight
DESCRIPTION:Democracy is under attack—and this conversation made clear that the fight for voting rights is entering a dangerous new phase. \nOn Thursday May 14\, Lauren Groh-Wargo\, CEO of Fair Fight\, and Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson joined BigTentUSA’s urgent discussion on the fallout from Louisiana v. Callais. Groh-Wargo and Pearson sounded the alarm on escalating efforts to dismantle fair representation across the South. From racial gerrymandering and attacks on Black voting power to coordinated pushes for partisan redistricting\, the speakers warned that extremist lawmakers are testing how far they can weaken democracy—and counting on people to tune out. The conversation highlighted mounting threats in states like Georgia\, Tennessee\, Mississippi\, and Louisiana\, while emphasizing that courts alone will not stop the damage. Instead\, organizers urged attendees to focus on turnout\, state supreme court races\, grassroots organizing\, and sustained public pressure. \nFolks\, the time to organize\, mobilize\, and fight back is now. \nSpeakers’ Recommended Actions: \n\nPush back hard against voter suppression\, racist gerrymandering\, and attacks on democracy by calling them out publicly and keeping the pressure on.\nBuild bigger\, stronger coalitions by bringing together community groups\, workers\, young people\, businesses\, and pro-democracy allies.\nReach more voters—including people who feel disconnected from politics—through year-round grassroots organizing and community outreach.\nFocus on turnout in the 2026 midterms and key state and local races that will shape voting rights and representation.\nSupport local organizers and stay involved beyond election season through advocacy\, education\, and community action.\n\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. \nRep. Justin J. Pearson launched his campaign for Tennessee’s Ninth Congressional District on October 8\, 2025\, declaring it “a campaign for The People.” A movement leader and Tennessee lawmaker\, he rose to national prominence as part of the Tennessee Three\, standing up for gun reform and being overwhelmingly reelected after expulsion. A lifelong organizer\, he helped lead the victorious Byhalia Pipeline fight\, shut down a cancer-causing sterilization plant\, and now challenges Elon Musk’s xAI data center. The second-youngest state legislator\, Pearson is a national voice for justice\, honored with the Truman Center’s 2024 Moral Courage Award. He’s running to bring that fight to Congress. Pearson is married to his partner in life and the struggle for justice Oceana R. Gilliam-Pearson.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-post-callais-fight/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Recap_Fair-Fight-Action_Justin-Pearson.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260526T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260526T140000
DTSTAMP:20260528T172921Z
CREATED:20260519T202954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T172921Z
UID:63870-1779800400-1779804000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Tar Heel Turnout: The Fight for North Carolina’s Future
DESCRIPTION:On May 26\, BigTentUSA hosted a virtual conversation with North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton and North Carolina Supreme Court Justices Anita Earls and Allison Riggs on the political and legal battles shaping North Carolina’s future. The speakers discussed ongoing challenges facing election officials and voting rights advocates as court fights over redistricting\, election certification\, and ballot access continue across the state. They also highlighted efforts to create obstacles on election day\, including reports of military veterans being removed from voter rolls after registering with military IDs — a major concern in a state with one of the country’s largest veteran populations. \nJustice Riggs shared her experience defending her election victory through a lengthy legal battle and explained that the North Carolina Democratic Party only recently finished paying the associated legal fees. She noted that the fight led to new protections designed to prevent similar challenges in future races. \nAnderson Clayton called for aggressive grassroots organizing to energize voters around critical down-ballot races\, stressing that canvassing\, phone banking\, and text banking remain some of the most effective tools for building momentum. She also argued that a Democratic majority in North Carolina is closer than many believe with sustained investment\, organizing\, and strong voter turnout. \nAs the 2026 elections approach\, the panel made one thing clear: the outcome will depend on who is willing to organize\, mobilize\, and fight for every vote. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJustice Anita Earls is an Associate Justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court and a longtime civil rights attorney with over 30 years of experience in voting rights\, school desegregation\, and employment discrimination cases. She founded the Southern Coalition for Social Justice and has held key roles at the U.S. Department of Justice\, UNC Law School\, and multiple state commissions focused on equity and justice. A graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School\, she continues to write\, teach\, and advocate for racial and social justice. \nJustice Allison Riggs was elected by North Carolinians to keep her seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court in November 2024\, but that win took 6 months of post-election litigation to defend. \nShe is the youngest woman to ever serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court\, and the only judge of child-bearing age currently serving. Justice Riggs brings an important perspective to the Court and works every day to protect the independence of our judiciary. \nShe was previously appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the State Supreme Court before winning her full-term\, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Before serving as a judge\, Justice Riggs worked for 14 years as a civil rights attorney\, fighting to protect North Carolinians’ freedoms\, including the right to vote. She argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court in several benchmark redistricting cases. \nAnderson Clayton serves as the current chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. Elected at 25 years old\, Anderson Clayton is the youngest chair of a state Democratic Party. Chair Clayton grew up in Roxboro\, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University. She worked on Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s congressional campaign\, as a field organizer in Iowa for the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren\, and then for Amy McGrath’s Senate campaign. Prior to her election as Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party\, Chair Clayton served as a chair of the Person County Democratic Party\, her hometown county. Chair Clayton resides in Roxboro\, NC.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/tar-heel-turnout/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Recap_Clayton_Earls_Riggs.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T130000
DTSTAMP:20260612T203609Z
CREATED:20260514T223132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T203609Z
UID:63853-1780401600-1780405200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:BigTent Book Discussion: "Liar’s Kingdom"
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, June 2\, truth\, accountability\, and the future of American democracy took center stage in BigTentUSA’s conversation with Andrew Weissmann–MS NOW legal analyst and veteran federal prosecutor. Moderated by Reed Galen of The Union\, Weissmann discussed themes from his new book Liar’s Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America\, arguing that the growing normalization of political lies poses a serious threat to democratic institutions. He highlighted a key contradiction in American law: while lies in business\, courtrooms\, and congressional testimony can carry legal consequences\, political lies often do not. \nWeissmann emphasized that restoring trust requires more than defending old norms. He called for stronger legal safeguards\, reforms to prevent the weaponization of government power\, and greater transparency from institutions such as the Department of Justice. He also argued that future leaders must be willing to confront past abuses rather than simply “look forward\,” warning that accountability is essential to preserving the rule of law. \nThe conversation ended with a clear challenge: democracy is not self-executing\, and protecting it requires public engagement\, institutional reform\, and a refusal to accept corruption or dishonesty as normal. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nAndrew Weissmann is an NYU Law School professor and widely respected legal analyst on MS NOW. He was a lead prosecutor in Robert S. Mueller’s Special Counsel’s Office\, Chief of the Fraud Section in the Department of Justice\, General Counsel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Director Mueller\, a leader of the Enron Task Force\, and started out as an organized crime prosecutor in Brooklyn. He is a co-host of MS NOW‘s award-winning podcast Main Justice and\, before that\, Prosecuting Donald Trump. He has written two New York Times bestsellers\, Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation\, and\, as co-author\, The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With Commentary\, and also writes the Substack newsletter Behind the Headlines. He holds degrees from Princeton and Columbia Law School\, was a Fulbright scholar\, and teaches at NYU School of Law. He is a New Yorker through and through. \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/liars-kingdom/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Recap_Andrew-Weissmann_Reed-Galen.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T130000
DTSTAMP:20260618T204435Z
CREATED:20260603T144526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T204435Z
UID:63896-1781006400-1781010000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Ready\, Set\, Vote: Removing Barriers to the Ballot
DESCRIPTION:Democracy works best when everyone can participate—and that starts with making sure every eligible voter can cast a ballot. \nAt this BigTentUSA TentTalk held on June 9\, VoteRiders’ Sylvester Johnson III joined activist and organizer Jessica Craven for a practical conversation about one of the biggest barriers to voting: voter ID requirements. Johnson explained that more than 34 million voting-age Americans lack a current government-issued ID\, while 38 states require identification to vote. He outlined how VoteRiders helps voters navigate often confusing state rules\, obtain supporting documents such as birth certificates\, secure transportation to ID offices\, and successfully complete the process from start to finish. \nThe discussion also explored broader threats to voter participation\, strategies for increasing turnout\, and the importance of grassroots engagement. Attendees learned how simple actions—letter writing\, texting\, sharing information\, and helping neighbors prepare to vote—can make a measurable difference. \nThe takeaway was clear: Whether you live in a battleground state or not\, there are concrete ways to help ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nSylvester Johnson III serves as the Voter Outreach & Data Manager for VoteRiders. A Georgia native\, Sylvester’s commitment to civic engagement began in high school through his work with organizations such as the Special Olympics of Georgia. After graduating from Howard University\, he returned to his home state and served as Political Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux’s 2018 congressional campaign in Georgia’s 7th Congressional District. Since joining VoteRiders\, Sylvester has spent more than six years helping ensure that all eligible citizens have the information and support they need to exercise their fundamental right to vote. \nJessica Craven is a full time activist\, community organizer\, political TikTok creator\, and elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party’s Central Committee. She’s also the author of “Chop Wood\, Carry Water\,” a daily actions e-mail.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/removing-barriers-to-the-ballot/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,Preserving Democracy,Letter-Writing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Recap_VoteRiders_Jessica-Craven.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260616T163609Z
CREATED:20260602T195045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T163609Z
UID:63892-1781204400-1781208000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Uncovering the Epstein Network: Accountability\, Power\, and Civic Action
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, June 11\, our Spotlight Speaker event centered on COURIER Newsroom’s ongoing reporting into Jeffrey Epstein’s network and the launch of an AI-powered database designed to make thousands of pages of public records more accessible to journalists\, researchers\, advocates\, and the public. COURIER Journalist Cameron Stevenson and CEO of Thorian AI\, Josh Levine\, demonstrated how technology can help uncover connections\, identify patterns\, and accelerate the search for facts hidden within massive volumes of documents. \nPanelists Nina Burleigh of COURIER and Ambassador Norm Eisen\, co-founder of Democracy Defenders Action\, emphasized that transparency\, accountability\, and persistence remain essential to protecting democracy. They discussed the critical role of investigative journalism\, litigation\, and public engagement in exposing corruption\, combating disinformation\, and ensuring abuses of power do not go unchecked. \nA consistent theme emerged throughout the discussion: meaningful change requires informed citizens who stay engaged\, support independent journalism\, and demand accountability. \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. \nAmbassador (ret.) Norman Eisen is a co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action\, which has been helping lead the successful national court fights against the Trump Administration\, helping secure multiple landmark orders against its authoritarian moves. His work in the courts of law is matched by his efforts in the court of public opinion as the co-founder and publisher of The Contrarian. He is also the co-founder and former chair of other major non-profits including CREW and States United. \nCamaron Stevenson is a national correspondent for COURIER Newsroom and publisher of the Below The Beltway newsletter on Substack. A veteran political journalist\, he spent more than a decade reporting in Phoenix and served as the Founding Editor and Chief Political Correspondent of The Copper Courier. His reporting focuses on politics\, policy\, and the forces shaping American democracy at the national and local levels. \nJosh Levine is a multi-time entrepreneur (1x exit) building at the nexus of AI\, public policy\, and the future of data. After an initial career in public finance\, Josh founded companies in the education technology and small business M&A spaces. He is now building Thorian AI\, which specializes in data processing\, extraction\, and automation-building across massive\, multi-modal datasets. Thorian serves as a data backbone for local government permitting processes\, state and federal compliance processes\, and complex grant applications/management while keeping costs low through the use of data methods that allow us to use the smallest possible language models for the job. For his efforts\, Josh was recently named one of Austin’s top five technologists under 40 for the second time in 2026. A native of Texas\, he holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/uncovering-the-epstein-network/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T200000
DTSTAMP:20260623T153656Z
CREATED:20260605T162922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T153656Z
UID:63907-1781722800-1781726400@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:From Mar-a-Lago to Mega-Yachts: Trump and the New Gilded Age
DESCRIPTION:How much inequality can a democracy withstand before citizens push back? That was the central question explored in BigTentUSA’s conversation on June 17 with New Yorker staff writer and author Evan Osnos\, moderated by Ed Luce\, Financial Times US National Editor. \nDrawing from his latest reporting and book The Haves and the Have-Yachts\, Osnos examined the growing concentration of wealth and power in America\, arguing that today’s oligarchs wield influence not only through money\, but through control of information\, technology\, and political institutions. The discussion explored the unprecedented alliance between political power and extreme wealth\, the rise of tech billionaires\, and the ways social media and artificial intelligence could accelerate economic inequality in the years ahead. \nThe conversation also looked abroad for lessons\, highlighting how corruption and democratic backsliding have unfolded in countries such as Hungary—and what Americans can learn from those experiences. \nThe takeaway was clear: democratic change rarely begins with majorities. It starts when engaged citizens decide enough is enough—and take action to make democracy work for everyone. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nEvan Osnos has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2008. In addition\, he is co-host of The New Yorker’s Political Scene podcast\, and a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. His coverage ranges from politics and foreign affairs to white-collar crime and espionage. His first book\, “Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune\, Truth\, and Faith in the New China\,” won the National Book Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His latest book “The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich\,” was an instant New York Times bestseller. Prior to The New Yorker\, he worked as the Beijing bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune\, where he was on teams that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001 and 2008. Before his assignment to China\, he worked in the Middle East\, reporting mostly from Iraq. He lives with his family near Washington\, D.C. \nEdward Luce is the US national editor and columnist at the Financial Times. Before 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 US Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers\, in the Clinton administration. \nHe is the author of four highly acclaimed books: Zbig\, The Life of Zbig Brzezinski: America’s Great Power Prophet (2025); 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).
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-haves-and-have-yachts/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Recap_Evan-Osnos_Ed-Luce.webp
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