America’s New Role on the World Stage?

A conversation with  

Richard Haass

President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations

Wednesday, June 4th,  5:30-7pm ET in-person, NYC. Followed by dinner open to Executive Members & Above.

Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and former Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, joins The Common Good for a deep dive into the repercussions of Trump’s foreign policy.

From strained alliances to emboldened adversaries, economic fallout to the unraveling of the post-WWII order that has underpinned global stability for nearly eight decades—Haass unpacks what’s at stake for America’s standing in the world and the future of international order.

About Our Speaker

Dr. Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat, scholar, and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, where he served for 20 years. He is a senior counselor at Centerview Partners and chaired the 2013 Northern Ireland negotiations that led to the Stormont House Agreement.A former director of policy planning at the State Department and special assistant to President George H.W. Bush, he played key roles in U.S. policy on Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and Northern Ireland.

A Rhodes Scholar with degrees from Oxford, he has taught at Harvard and Hamilton College. Haass has authored 16 books, including The Bill of Obligations, a New York Times bestseller, and writes the Home & Away newsletter on Substack.

TCG Leadership Series: Conversation with Minority Whip Katherine Clark

TCG Leadership Series

Conversation with

Minority Whip Katherine Clark

U.S. Representative of Massachusetts 5th Congressional District

Tuesday, June 3rd from 9:30-10:30am ET

at the Law Firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), a key architect of the party’s agenda, joins The Common Good to offer a rare look inside the engine room of Democratic leadership—and where it’s headed next.

As the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the House, Clark is shaping the party’s strategy on everything from child care and wage equity to digital safety and legislative messaging. Her influence is felt not just in what gets prioritized—but in how Democrats aim to win the argument.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon and the party navigating internal divides and external threats, Clark lays out how Democrats plan to govern, connect with voters, and push back against an increasingly emboldened opposition.

About Our Speaker

Congresswoman Katherine Clark represents Massachusetts’s 5th Congressional District and currently serves as the Democratic Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives—the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber. First elected to Congress in 2013, Clark has been a leading voice on issues including child care access, gun safety, and protecting reproductive rights. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee and previously held leadership roles as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and Assistant Speaker. Throughout her tenure, Clark has championed legislation to expand affordable child care, combat online harassment, and support working families. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Cornell Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School, she resides in Revere, Massachusetts, with her husband, Rodney, and has three grown sons.

TCG Leadership Series: Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton

TCG Leadership Series

Conversation with

Congressman Seth Moulton

U.S. Representative of Massachusetts 6th Congressional District

Wednesday, May 21st from 2:00-2:30 ET on Zoom 

Is American democracy at a breaking point—and what will it take to turn the tide?

Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), a Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq and now represents Massachusetts in Congress, isn’t mincing words about the moment we’re in. But this isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a call to action.

With the Democratic Party facing internal fractures and an emboldened authoritarian right, Moulton is urging his party to rise to the challenge: to lead with clarity and a offer vision for the future focused on investing in infrastructure, reimagining our education system, and rewriting the rules of our economy to build an America where hard work pays off. 

Moulton is calling for more than resistance he’s calling for a reset. What does that look like?

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About Our Speaker

Congressman Seth Moulton represents Massachusetts’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A former Marine Corps officer, Moulton served four tours in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star with valor. After his military service, he earned joint graduate degrees in business and public policy from Harvard University. In Congress, Moulton serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. He is a leading advocate for veterans' issues, mental health care, and infrastructure development, including high-speed rail. Moulton resides in Salem, Massachusetts, with his wife, Liz, and their two daughters.

Related articles to check out:

“‘He’s creating a formal framework to fire all the generals who disagree … with the President’” - AP

“The [Democratic] party has ‘lost touch with a lot of Americans.’” - CBS Boston 

“You Can’t Support Donald Trump and the Constitution” - Forbes

“New Leaders in the Democratic Party” - WBUR

The Limits of Presidential Power

Featuring

Secretary Leon Panetta

former U.S. Secretary of Defense & Chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy 

Fmr. Congressman David Jolly

Former Republican Congressman of Florida’s 13th District & MSNBC commentator

Moderated by Richard Salomon

Harvard-Trained Lawyer & CEO

May 1st from 5-6pm ET on ZOOM

Big questions. Smart minds. Secretary Leon Panetta and fmr. Congressman David Jolly join us in conversation with Rick Salomon, tackling hard questions about executive power, national security, and the future of U.S. global alliances.

Can federal agencies be dismantled by a pen stroke? Is military strike info on SIGNAL a national security risk? Is the idea of annexing Greenland a serious conversation or merely geopolitical fantasy?

About Our Speakers

Secretary Leon E. Panetta has dedicated over fifty years to public service at the highest levels of government. Unanimously confirmed as Secretary of Defense in 2011, he led the development of a new defense strategy and expanded service opportunities for all, regardless of gender or background. As CIA Director, he oversaw the operation that brought Osama bin Laden to justice.

Panetta began his career as a U.S. Army First Lieutenant, then served in civil rights enforcement at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. He represented California’s Central Coast in Congress for sixteen years, where he helped create the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He later served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget and White House Chief of Staff under President Clinton. He now chairs the Panetta Institute for Public Policy.

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Former Congressman David Jolly represented Florida’s 13th district from 2014 to 2017 and was known as a pragmatic Republican willing to cross party lines. Often praised for “speaking the truth” and seeking compromise, he prioritized practical solutions over rigid ideology. 

Since then, Jolly has advocated for political reform and a multi-party democracy, writing for Time, The Washington Post, CNN, and others. He is a political commentator for MSNBC and CNN, Executive VP at Shumaker Advisors Florida, and editor of A Divided Union, a book on bipartisanship. His evolution from Republican congressman to reform advocate reflects his commitment to pluralism and solutions-driven leadership.

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Rick Salomon is a Harvard-trained lawyer and CEO who is a frequent public speaker and serves on the Advisory Board of the Renew Democracy Initiative, is a Senior Fellow of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, and is a member of the Hagel Advisory Council of the University of Chicago Project on Security and Threats.

He is the founder and CEO of Vantage Point Consultants. Vantage Point advises corporations on ways to optimize the expenditure of legal dollars and has worked with over 400 of the Fortune 500 throughout the world. He is a frequent keynote speaker to groups, including the GC100 (the Chief Legal Officers of the FTSE 100 in London), the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and an occasional lecturer at Harvard Law School.

The Power & Peril of Diplomacy

The Power & Peril of Diplomacy

FEaturing 

Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat

Fmr. Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to President Jimmy Carter & Fmr. U.S. Ambassador to the European Union

MODERATED BY

Gideon Rose

adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relation & FMR. editor of Foreign Affairs 

…

April 9th, from 4-5pm ET, on Zoom

The Art of Diplomacy: A Conversation with Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat – Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, a veteran of some of the most significant diplomatic negotiations of our time, joined Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs editor emeritus, to break down today’s most pressing foreign policy flashpoints—from Ukraine to the Middle East, to the unraveling of the postwar trade order.

As a special bonus, attendees had the opportunity to receive a free copy of Ambassador Eizenstat’s book, The Art of Diplomacy, courtesy of Leonard Levie. Ambassador Eizenstat also provided signed bookplates for participants.

About Our Speakers

Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat has shaped U.S. policy for over five decades, serving under six presidents. He was President Carter’s chief domestic policy adviser and later held top posts under President Clinton, including U.S. Ambassador to the EU and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.

Eizenstat led major global negotiations—from the Kyoto Protocol to securing justice and restitution for Holocaust survivors. He’s been honored with over 80 awards, including France’s Legion of Honor and Germany’s highest civilian medal.

Formerly serving as the Special Adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Holocaust Issues and Chair of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, Eizenstat remains at the forefront of international justice. His latest book, The Art of Diplomacy, praised by Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Tony Blair, and other world leaders, offers an insider’s perspective on the drama, strategy, and stakes behind major international agreements.

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Gideon Rose is adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Previously, he was editor of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2021, prior to which he was managing editor from 2000 to 2010. He has also served as associate director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the staff of the National Security Council and deputy director of national security studies at CFR, and has taught American foreign policy at Princeton and Columbia. He is the author of How Wars End (Simon & Schuster, October 2010).

TCG Leader Series Conversation with Senator Chris Murphy

TCG Leader Series

Conversation with  

Senator Chris Murphy

Senator of Connecticut 

Wednesday, April 2nd, from 4:15-5pm ET on Zoom

The Common Good Leader Series: Senator Chris Murphy – As part of The Common Good Leader Series, TCG was honored to welcome Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut at a pivotal moment for the nation. Senator Murphy shared his insights on the state of the country and how both Congress and citizens could respond to the actions of the new White House administration.

This was a unique opportunity to hear directly from Senator Murphy and engage in a timely, thoughtful conversation about leadership and civic action.

About Our Speaker

Senator Chris Murphy is a United States Senator from Connecticut. He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. Prior to the Senate, Murphy served for three terms in the U.S. House representing the state's fifth congressional district. 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.

Before being elected to Congress, Murphy served for eight years in the Connecticut state legislature. Murphy graduated with honors from Williams College in Massachusetts, and received his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Women’s Equality: Progress Made and a Movement Stalled?

Women’s Equality: Progress Made and a Movement Stalled?

featuring

Clara Bingham

Journalist & Bestselling Author

in conversation with

Mary Boies

Attorney & Advisory Council Member of the Smithsonian American History Women’s Museum

…

Wednesday, March 19th from 5:30-7pm ET,

hosted by karen mehiel at flok, on ues in nyc

Women’s History Month Celebration – TCG celebrated Women’s History Month with acclaimed journalist and author Clara Bingham, and Mary Boies, who was instrumental in bringing the Women’s History Museum at the Smithsonian to life. Together, they discussed the importance of chronicling the often-overlooked stories of American women.

They explored the fearless icons who fueled the women’s liberation movement, reflected on how far we’ve come, and examined the lessons still relevant to the ongoing struggle for progress and equality.

This thought-provoking conversation bridged history with the present and inspired a bold vision for women’s empowerment.

About Our Speakers

Clara Bingham is a force in journalism and storytelling, bringing to life the pivotal moments and movements that have shaped our society. From exposing injustice to chronicling the triumphs of the women’s movement, her work resonates with urgency and impact.

Her latest book, The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America 1963-1973, captures the seismic cultural shifts of second-wave feminism. Bingham’s investigative zeal has led her to uncover stories that demand attention—her Vanity Fair exposé on sexual assault at the Air Force Academy earned her the Exceptional Merit in Media Award and was featured in Best American Crime Writing.

Bingham’s knack for storytelling extends to film. She produced The Last Mountain, a gripping documentary on mountaintop coal mining that premiered at Sundance and won the International Documentary Association’s Pare Lorentz Award. Her second book, Class Action: The Landmark Case that Changed Sexual Harassment Law, inspired the Oscar-nominated film North Country, cementing her role as a chronicler of stories that move the needle on justice and equality.

From her early days as a Newsweek correspondent covering the George H. W. Bush White House to her groundbreaking work as an author and producer, Bingham’s career is a testament to the power of journalism to inform, challenge, and inspire.

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Mary Boies was a Senate-appointed Commissioner on the Congressional Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women’s History Museum, playing a key role in shaping efforts to honor women’s contributions to American history.

A powerhouse in antitrust and corporate litigation, she has advised top companies and served on influential boards. A two-term Council on Foreign Relations board member, she chaired its Nominations and Governance Committee and has also shaped policy at MIT’s Center for International Studies and Harvard Kennedy School. Her national security expertise includes oversight roles in the U.S. Air Force’s top research and strategy institutions.

She has served on major boards, from MBNA Bank before its merger with Bank of America to the International Rescue Committee and the International Center for Journalists. She also conducted peer reviews of federal judicial nominees, including for the Supreme Court.

She was the founder and managing partner of Boies & McInnis LLP for over 30 years. Her career spans leadership roles as Vice President at CBS Inc., General Counsel of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board, and White House Domestic Policy Staff. Beyond law, she founded and sold MaryBoies Software Inc., creating award-winning educational software that reached global markets.

Post-Election Series: Political Shock Waves Now What? Democracy Strategies

Post-Election Series: Political Shock Waves

Now What? Democracy Strategies

featuring

Norman Ornstein

Political Scholar & Analyst

In Conversation With

Tom Rogers

Media Expert & Founder of MSNBC and CNBC

…

Wednesday, March 12th, 4-5 pm ET, on Zoom

Fast and Furious - As Trump floods the zone to radically reshape executive power. the federal government, and the Republican Party, TCG presented Norm Ornstein, one of the nation’s foremost political scholars, in a moderated conversation with Tom Rogers, media expert and founder of MSNBC and CNBC. They discussed the Trump tsunami approach and how Democrats could respond.

This timely discussion featured a master of political analysis and offered critical insights into a pivotal moment in American politics. Don’t miss this timely discussion with a master of political analysis.

About Our Speakers

Norman Ornstein is a political scholar and senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute, renowned for his involvement in political reform for decades, particularly campaign finance, election reform, and House and Senate reform. He has also played a part in creating the Congressional Office of Compliance and the House Office of Congressional Ethics. 

Ornstein’s books include the New York Times and Washington Post bestsellers “One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate, and the Not-Yet Deported”, and “It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism.” His other books include, “The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track” and “The Permanent Campaign and Its Future.” 

A trusted voice on networks like CBS, CNN, and NPR, he spent 30 years as an election analyst for CBS News and contributed to award-winning projects, including PBS’s The Definition of Insanity. His sharp commentary appears in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

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Tom Rogers is a pioneering media and technology executive with a career spanning over three decades at the intersection of media, tech, and public policy. He is currently Executive Chairman of WinView, a leader in interactive TV sports gaming.

As CEO and Chairman of TiVo (2005–2016), Tom transformed the company from near-obscurity into a powerhouse, revolutionizing home entertainment and securing major intellectual property victories. Previously, as President of NBC Cable and EVP of NBC, he founded CNBC, launched MSNBC, and oversaw major networks like A&E, The History Channel, and National Geographic. He later led Primedia, driving digital expansion for iconic publications like New York Magazine and Seventeen.

Earlier in his career, Tom helped shape U.S. communications law as Senior Counsel to the House Telecommunications Subcommittee. A member of both the Broadcasting and Cable Halls of Fame and an Emmy winner, he has left an indelible mark on television and digital media.

Enemies of the State? with Marty Baron & S.E. Cupp

Martin Baron

Acclaimed former Executive Editor of the Washington Post & The Boston Globe

Moderated By

S.E. Cupp

CNN Host & Political Commentator

…

Wednesday, February 26th from 5:30-7pm ET 

In Person in NYC hosted by secretary jeh johnson at the offices of paul, weiss. 

Dinner to follow at The University Club, RSVP open to Executive Members and above. 

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Marty Baron, former Executive Editor of the Washington Post and Boston Globe, renowned for his editorial excellence, and CNN’s S.E. Cupp, widely respected for her sharp insights and principled conservatism, to The Common Good.

Baron and Cupp joined us for a vital discussion on the chilling effect on the press, government officials, business leaders, and others deemed enemies in the wake of President Donald Trump’s threats of revenge and prosecution. Just one month into the first "retribution administration," we’re already seeing those threats take shape. 

If you missed out, you can catch up by watching on our youtube! Video COMING SOON.

About Our Speakers

Marty Baron, legendary editor and First Amendment champion, transformed The Washington Post into a Pulitzer powerhouse during his tenure (2013–2021), growing its newsroom from 580 to nearly 1,000 journalists. Under his leadership, the Post won 11 Pulitzers, including for groundbreaking coverage of NSA surveillance and the January 6 Capitol assault.

Before the Post, Baron led the Boston Globe to six Pulitzers, including its seismic investigation of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church, later dramatized in the Oscar-winning film Spotlight. Earlier, his leadership at the Miami Herald earned a Pulitzer for breaking news coverage of the Elián González raid. Baron also held senior roles at the New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

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S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and practical conservative known for her sharp insights and fearless honesty. She’s tackled the volatile intersection of politics and media as the host of S.E. Cupp Unfiltered and led dynamic panel debates on HLN. A longtime CNN contributor, she previously co-hosted the revival of Crossfire with Newt Gingrich, Van Jones, and Stephanie Cutter, as well as MSNBC’s The Cycle.

Beyond television, Cupp is a nationally syndicated columnist, cultural critic, and author of Losing Our Religion: The Liberal Media’s Attack on Christianity. Her work has appeared in The New York Daily News, Glamour, and CNN.com, and she’s lent her expertise to hit shows like The Morning Show and The Newsroom.

TCG Leader Series: Conversation with Governor Andrew Cuomo

TCG Leader Series

Conversation With

Governor Andrew Cuomo

Former Governor of New York

Wednesday February 19th, 5:30-7pm ET in UES, NYC

DINNER sold out.  

It was such a pleasure to welcome former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, someone who the press has speculated about making a run for mayor of NYC. 

New York City is at a crossroads as the city faces major challenges – from public safety, to housing, budget pressures, and economic recovery. Drawing on his years of leadership as Governor, Andrew Cuomo joined us for a candid discussion about New York’s most urgent issues and the decisive actions needed to drive progress.

About Our Speaker

The Honorable Andrew Cuomo served as the 56th Governor of New York, leading the state for over a decade with a focus on progressive policy, infrastructure modernization, and fiscal responsibility. Born into a public service legacy as the son of Governor Mario Cuomo, he began his career fighting homelessness, founding Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP), and later serving as HUD Secretary under President Clinton. As New York’s Attorney General, he championed consumer protections and government reform before becoming governor in 2011.

Cuomo’s tenure saw landmark achievements, including marriage equality, the codification of Roe v. Wade, a $15 minimum wage, free college tuition for middle-class New Yorkers, and the nation’s strongest gun laws. He spearheaded major infrastructure projects like the rebuilding of LaGuardia and JFK airports, Moynihan Train Hall and the 2nd Avenue subway, oversaw record investments in education and healthcare, and passed ontime, responsible budgets that reined in spending while cutting taxes for businesses and the middle class. During the COVID-19 crisis, Cuomo became a national figure for his leadership, guiding New York through the pandemic’s darkest days.

Trump's Second Term: Aberration or the New Norm? with H.W. Brands

Trump's Second Term: Aberration or the New Norm?

with

H.W. Brands

U.S. Historian & Author

One of America’s foremost historians, H.W. Brands, joins The Common Good to offer insights on the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, what the next four years could mean for the nation, and how his leadership fits into the broader sweep of U.S. history.

How does Trump’s unconventional leadership fit into the arc of U.S. history? What might the next four years mean for democracy, the presidency, and the nation? With an unparalleled ability to contextualize contemporary events through a historical lens, Brands will explore the implications of this moment for the presidency and the country moving forward.

About the Speaker

H.W. Brands is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, bestselling author, and renowned historian whose works, including The First American about Benjamin Franklin, and Traitor to His Class, on Franklin Delano Roosevelt. have earned critical acclaim and captivated global audiences. With over 30 books and numerous articles published in outlets like The New York Times and The Atlantic, his writings have been translated into multiple languages and are celebrated for their blend of scholarship and storytelling.

A frequent guest on national media and a member of prestigious societies like the Society of American Historians, Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. His academic journey began at Stanford University, followed by a doctorate in history from UT Austin. Before joining the faculty at UT, he taught at Texas A&M University and Vanderbilt University

Born in Portland, Oregon, Brands' early career as a traveling salesman spanned the American West before he found his true calling in teaching and writing. Today, he continues to inspire through his scholarship, public appearances, and contributions to historical discourse.

2025 Economic Forecast with Blackstone's Joe Zidle

2025 Economic Forecast

with

Blackstone’s Joe Zidle

Sr. Managing Director & Chief Investment Strategist

Joe Zidle, Senior Managing Director & Chief investment Strategist at Blackstone and successor to our longtime favorite prognosticator, Byron Wien, joins The Common Good for an insightful and timely conversation to start off the new year offering his expertise on the economy, market trends, and geopolitical and international forces that could affect your portfolio, business strategy, or simply your peace of mind. 

As a key voice at one of the world’s most influential investment firms, Zidle’s perspective promises to be as enlightening as it is essential in today’s rapidly changing financial landscape.

About the Speaker

Joe Zidle is a Senior Managing Director and the Chief Investment Strategist in the Private Wealth Solutions group. Zidle is known for his ability to spot trends in reams of data. 

He previously spent nearly a decade at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, most recently serving as Head of Investment Strategy for Global Wealth Management and Deputy Director of the Research Investment Committee. He was also previously with Richard Bernstein Advisors, as an independent investment advisor, where he was responsible for portfolio strategy, asset allocation, investment management and marketing to major wealth management firms and independent RIAs.

Election Aftershock: Takeaways & Turning Points

Election Aftershock: Takeaways & Turning Points

What did two of the most insightful strategists have to say about the MAJOR SHIFTS in U.S. politics?

Republican strategist Alex Castellanos described the "painful demise of two old political parties," as the Republican Party transitions into a populist, working-class movement and solidifies the Trump coalition as a lasting force.

Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik highlighted the challenges facing Democrats, noting “It was a well run campaign, so I don't want to  anyway denigrate that. But I think that basically Republicans won for four main reasons. And it wasn't Trump, it's almost in spite of Trump….”  Watch now to hear the rest! 

Here are more takeaways from this insightful discussion, which you can watch below. Stay tuned for more engaging content from The Common Good!

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

What’s going on with the Party system? 

"When you lose the center, you're often just left with the extreme. And that happened to Republicans when we drained all the juice out of the Reagan coalition. I think the Democrats are now in the same spot." -Alex Castellanos

"Right now, the Democratic Party is isolated and considered culturally elite, big spenders, and not in touch with the people in the countryside. Ultimately, the only way we're going to fix that is to run people in America who are from America, who represent in their real lives the center of this country." -Doug Sosnik

How has the 2024 election changed political parties in America?

“What was just a man became a movement. I think this election, what was just Donald Trump, got some breadth and it became something that I think will live after Trump. The Trump coalition, particularly among working-class voters, grew stronger." -Alex Castellanos

"The Democrats no longer have control of their political destiny. Trump’s victory was all-encompassing... 92% of the counties in America, he ran with stronger performance in 2024 compared to 2020…Trump improved his standing in all 50 states." -Doug Sosnik 

What did the strategies of the Republican and Democratic parties tell us in the 2024 election? 

"For nine years now, the Democratic Party has stood for nothing other than beating Trump. That’s been the only organizing principle of the party. When you ask a Democrat who you are, what you're for, the answer is, 'We're against Trump.'” -Doug Sosnik 

What about the voters? How do they feel about American politics today?

"We’re governing ourselves in very old ways. Big old, top-down, industrial-age machine-like government." -Alex Castellanos

"People feel like the system is corrupt, and it is set up to screw them. Trump is not the cause of what’s happening in America; he’s the symptom of it." -Doug Sosnik

About Our Speaker’s

Doug Sosnik is a highly regarded Democratic strategist, “famed in Washington circles for his closely held, big-think memos on the state of American politics.” As one of President Bill Clinton’s closest advisors, Sosnik played a pivotal role in Clinton’s against-the-odds landslide reelection in 1996, serving in key positions including Senior Aide and White House Political Director.

With decades of experience at the nexus of politics, policy, and communication, Sosnik has guided senators, governors, Fortune 100 companies, leading foundations, and universities through complex challenges. Before his impactful tenure in the White House, he served as Chief of Staff to Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, cementing his reputation as a go-to strategist and trusted insider in the highest echelons of power.

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Alex Castellanos is a powerhouse in Republican strategy and media consulting, credited with the discovery of the political “soccer mom,” which “caught on almost overnight” as the iconic prototypical swing voter, and hailed as the “father of the attack ad.” He is famed for shaping seven U.S. presidential campaigns, including Bush-Cheney 2004, Romney for President, and McCain’s Ad Council, and has been a decisive force behind the election of nine U.S. Senators and six Governors.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Castellanos’ journey is as compelling as his career. His family fled Castro’s regime with one suitcase and eleven dollars, forging a new life in America. A fluent Spanish and English speaker and a University of North Carolina scholar, he is a sought-after political speaker and frequent CNN commentator.

Related Articles to Check Out:

“The Road to A Political Realignment in American Politics” (Doug Sosnik, Politico)

OPINION: “The ‘Diploma Divide’ Is the New Fault Line in American Politics” (Doug Sosnik, New York Times)

“Castellanos: Pollsters Are Missing Something, A Massive Shift In Voter Registration And An Enthusiasm Gap” (Ian Schwartz, RealClearPolitics)

2024 AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS

The Common Good American Spirit Awards

Thursday, November 21, 6-9:30 pm ET, at The Plaza IN NYC

The Common Good hosted an unforgettable evening filled with captivating conversations and inspiring stories of dedication, innovation, and stellar achievement.

The American Spirit Awards took place at the storied Plaza Hotel on Thursday, November 21, beginning with a warm cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner. It was truly an inspiring night celebrating and connecting with some of America’s most remarkable heroes.

The evening reaffirmed our shared commitment to a brighter future as we honored extraordinary awardees whose dedication to the common good continues to elevate our nation.

American Spirit Awardees for 2024

Dr. Kimberly Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT

For Dr. Budil’s groundbreaking work in nuclear fusion and its transformative potential for clean energy and climate change mitigation.

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson

DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY

For Secretary Johnson’s efforts to safeguard democracy as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Task Force on Public Confidence in Democracy and highlighting his excellent work at the helm of one of the most complicated agencies in the U.S. government.  

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE

For Director Clapper’s extraordinary contributions to national security over the decades, particularly in the challenging field of intelligence, and for his vital role in the operation that brought down Osama bin Laden.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE

For Secretary Panetta’s prodigious record of outstanding leadership at several U.S. agencies with mighty results at each, such as balancing the federal budget - an accomplishment which has yet to be matched in the 21st century - to advancing our military readiness and helping to defeat our terrorist foes.

Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners

DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

For Mr. Schwartz’s commitment to issues that extend beyond corporate profits, bringing to business leadership a strong sense of civic purpose by publicly addressing challenges such as income inequality, voting reform, and climate change.

this year’s INCREDIBLE HOST & PRESENTERs

JIM ACOSTA

THIS YEAR’S AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS HOST

Anchor of CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, airing weekdays at 10aET on CNN. Acosta has served as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, where he covered the Trump administration and the Obama administration from the White House and around the world. He regularly covers presidential press conferences, visits by heads of states, and issues impacting the Executive Branch of the federal government.

CONGRESSWOMAN JANE HARMAN

PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

A nine-term congresswoman from California and former ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, a position she held for four years after 9/11. She recently completed a decade at the nonpartisan Wilson Center as its first female president and CEO, where she is now president emerita and distinguished fellow. Harman is recognized as a national expert at the nexus of security and public policy issues and has received numerous awards for distinguished service.

THE HONORABLE JUDGE J. MICHAEL LUTTIG

PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY AWARD

Appointed by President George W. Bush, he is the former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. On January 6th, 2021, Judge J. Luttig advised former Vice President Mike Pence that he could not overturn the 2020 election results. He now serves cochair of the American Bar Association Task Force on American Democracy.

PHOTO GALLERY

stream this year’s Awards Below

This year’s awards were nothing short of inspiring. It was an absolute honor to hear the remarks and stories shared by each of the awardees, presenters, and hosts.

From three distinguished former cabinet-level secretaries in national security to a trailblazing scientist and a profoundly civic-minded business leader, every moment was filled with insight and inspiration.

Don’t miss the chance to tune in and experience it for yourself!

Our Mission

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The Day After: Election Results in Real Time

The Day After: Election Results in Real Time

with

Frank Luntz

Political Pollster & Strategist 

…

Renowned pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz, joined The Common Good the day after Polls closed on November 5th to offer real-time commentary and analysis of the results a day after Election Day. Don’t miss out on Luntz’s insights - watch below now!

About Our Speaker

Frank Luntz is a renowned communications expert and political commentator. Named one of Time’s “50 most promising leaders under 40” and Newsweek’s No. 24 on their Power Elite survey, he has been a trusted voice in understanding public opinion. Luntz is celebrated for his influential “Instant Response” focus groups, which have been profiled on major programs like 60 Minutes and PBS Frontline, and were praised by President Obama.

With a career spanning over 2,500 surveys and focus groups across more than 20 countries, Luntz has shaped U.S. presidential campaigns, advised Fortune 500 CEOs, and accurately forecasted events like Brexit. He has appeared on numerous top talk shows, served as an Election Night commentator, and earned an Emmy for his MSNBC/CNBC series 100 Days, 1000 Voices.

A New York Times bestselling author, Luntz has written Words that Work, What Americans Really Want…Really, and WIN, which reached No. 2 on Amazon and No. 3 on The New York Times Business Best Seller list. His expertise continues to be sought globally in politics, media, and business.

How Propaganda is Used to Destroy Democracy with Mary Wald & Keys to the White House: 2024 Election Prediction with Allan Lichtman

How Propaganda is Used to Destroy Democracy

with

Mary Wald

author, Founder & President of the community

followed by

Keys to the White House: 2024 Election Prediction 

with

Allan Lichtman

Presidential Historian & Distinguished Professor 

The Common Good hosted a compelling two-part discussion featuring two distinguished speakers: Mary Wald, author of Sowing Hate and Chaos: How Propaganda is Used to Destroy Democracy, and Allan Lichtman, the presidential historian famously known as the “Nostradamus of U.S. elections.”

From 5:30 to 6:00 pm ET, Mary Wald explored how propaganda has been used to incite division and violence across nations—highlighting cases from Germany, Indonesia, Rwanda, and Myanmar—that ultimately led to mass violence and the installation of authoritarian regimes under the guise of restoring "order." Wald, who has worked with Nobel Peace Prize laureates for over two decades, also discussed how similar strategies were being deployed in the United States to sow division and hate.

From 6:00 to 6:30 pm ET, Allan Lichtman shared his latest analysis of the 2024 election using his revolutionary system, the “Keys to the White House.” Drawing on this highly accurate predictive system, he revealed his forecast for the race and explained the reasoning behind it. With a proven track record of accurately predicting 9 out of 10 presidential elections since 1984, Lichtman offered insights no political enthusiast could afford to miss.

About Our Speaker’s

Mary Wald has been working closely with Nobel Peace Prize laureates for more than 22 years. She has written, edited, placed media, and organized the Nobel laureates into collective actions on crucial social issues, including the use of torture by the U.S., the execution of dissidents by the Saudis, and the treatment of the Dalai Lama by China. Her work has been published or profiled by the New York Times, Associated Press, Washington Post, Hong Kong Morning Post, on CNN, NPR, and more. 

In 2000 Mary founded TheCommunity.com, an online portal for peace and human rights, with José Ramos-Horta, the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and currect President of Timor-Leste, formerly East Timor. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the active human rights advisor for the site for 14 years. 27 Nobel Peace Prize laureates have participated in actions on the site. 

Mary was a consultant to Peter Gabriel and Richard Branson on the founding of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, and human rights, founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. For five years she was the Public Relations partner on the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, founded by Mayor of Rome Walter Veltroni and former President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev. In this capacity she handled all logistics and coordinated international PR for the presentation of the Summit’s peace award by Mayor Veltroni and President Gorbachev.

In November, 2022, Mary initiated a letter in support of 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa who was facing legal persecution  for her online news site in the Philippines. The letter was signed by her fellow Nobel laureate, Russian journalist Dmitri Muratov, who also taped a video in support, and all of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, with the wife of political prisoner Ales Bialiatski signing on his behalf. The letter received front page coverage in the New York Times. Ressa was subsequently acquitted of all charges. Mary continues to service as the international public relations representative for President Ramos-Horta. 

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Allan Lichtman is a presidential historian and Distinguished Professor at American University. Lichtman's prediction system, the Keys to the White House, has correctly predicted the outcomes of all US presidential elections since 1984. He has lectured in the US and internationally and provided commentary for major US and foreign networks and leading newspapers and magazines across the world. He has been an expert witness in some 100 civil and voting rights cases.  

He has published eleven books and several hundred popular and scholarly articles. His book, The Case for Impeachment was a national independent bookstore bestseller. His book, White Protestant Nation: The Rise of the American Conservative Movement was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in nonfiction. He co-authored book with Richard Breitman, FDR and the Jews, won the National Jewish Book Award Prize in American Jewish History and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times book prize in history. He was listed rise.global as # 85 among 100 most influential geopolitical experts in the world and received the lifetime achievement award from Who's Who.

Allan received his PhD from Harvard University in 1973 with a specialty in modern American history and quantitative methods. He became an Assistant Professor of History at American University in 1973 and a Full Professor in 1980, and a Distinguished Professor in 2011. He was the recipient of the Scholar/Teacher of the year award for 1992-93.

October 7th Attack: One Year Later

October 7th Attack: One Year Later 

with

Ambassador Thomas Nides

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel & Vice Chairman of Blackstone 

Moderated by 

Richard Salomon

Harvard-trained lawyer & CEO 

On the one-year anniversary of the harrowing October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Vice Chairman of Blackstone, Thomas Nides, joined The Common Good for a critical discussion with Harvard-trained lawyer and CEO Richard Salomon. Together, they examined the state of Israel and the broader Middle East one year after the attack.

They reflected on key questions: What progress had been made in bringing home hostages and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza? What missteps had occurred? Could escalations by Israel in Lebanon spark a wider war? What did the future hold for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the upcoming Israeli elections? Was Saudi Arabian recognition of Israel still possible, and could the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine be resurrected? Watch below now!

Drawing from his extensive expertise, Ambassador Nides provided a profound analysis of the aftermath of October 7th and the challenges ahead for Israel.

About Our Speaker’s

Thomas R. Nides has extensive experience in government and foreign affairs having served as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 2021 to 2023, prior to which he was appointed by President Barack Obama and served as Deputy Secretary of State and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. State Department. For his service as Deputy of Secretary of State and CEO of the U.S. State Department, Amb. Nides was awarded the nation’s highest diplomatic honor, the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, by then Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Currently, Ambassador Nides, is Vice Chairman of Blackstone. Before joining Blackstone, and serving as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, he spent over a decade at Morgan Stanley in various capacities, including Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman. He has also previously been a senior leader at Credit Suisse, Fannie Mae, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and on Capitol Hill. 

Nides currently serves on the boards of the Partnership for Public Service, the International Rescue Committee, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He formerly served as chairman of the board of the Woodrow Wilson Center. He received his BA from the University of Minnesota.

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Richard A. Salomon is a Harvard-trained lawyer and the founder and CEO of Vantage Point Consultants. Vantage Point advises corporations on ways to optimize the expenditure of legal dollars and has worked with over 400 of the Fortune 500 throughout the world. He is a frequent keynote speaker to groups, including the GC100 (the Chief Legal Officers of the FTSE 100 in London), the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and an occasional lecturer at Harvard Law School. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Corporate Counsel’s Guide to Law Department Management and Corporate Counsel’s Guide to Litigation Management. He is also a co-author of Managing the Corporate Legal Function (2nd ed. 1995, Matthew Bender).

Mr. Salomon is a co-founder, member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center; and a member of the Advisory Board for the Visas for Life Foundation (relating to Consul General Chiune Sugihara, who rescued his father and uncle during the Holocaust). He is a graduate of Carleton College and Harvard Law School.

“The Return of Great Powers”

“The Return of Great Powers”

with

Jim Sciutto

CNN’s chief national security analyst, and former chief of staff & senior advisor to U.S. Ambassador to China, Gary Locke
…

Followed by intimate, post-event dinner

As the world’s leaders gathered in New York for the 79th UN General Assembly, the spotlight intensified on the escalating power dynamics among the U.S., Russia, and China. In a timely and exclusive appearance, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst Jim Sciutto joined The Common Good to dissect this high-stakes geopolitical chess match. Drawing insights from his bestselling book, The Return of Great Powers, Sciutto explored the precarious balance of power and its potential implications for a new global order. Watch below Now!

About Our Speaker

Jim Sciutto is CNN’s chief national security analyst and anchor of CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto weekdays from 3-4pm ET on CNN Max and CNN International. Sciutto reports and provides analysis on all aspects of U.S. national security including foreign policy, the military, intelligence community and the State Department. 

With reporting from over 50 countries, Sciutto has covered key conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and the Middle East. He is the author of four books, including the 2024 New York Times bestseller The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China and the Next World War. His other works include The Shadow War (2019), The Madman Theory (2020), and Against Us (2008).

Sciutto’s accolades include the duPont-Columbia Award, Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the George Polk Award. Before CNN, he was ABC News’ senior foreign correspondent and served as chief of staff to U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke.

2024 Election Watch Post Democratic National Convention

2024 Election Watch

Post Democratic National Convention

with

Brenda Gianiny 

Pollster for Fmr. Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Senator Mitch McConnell 

AND

Doug Schoen

Pollster for Fmr. President Bill Clinton and Fmr. Mayor Mike Bloomberg

Following the second convention of this pivotal election year, The Common Good hosted two of the most prominent pollster-political strategists to evaluate the potential terrain gained or lost in the process of finalizing the Democratic Party nomination for Kamala Harris. They assessed voter sentiment and the pressing issues driving the ballot in November. Attendees were invited to listen in and bring their questions to Republican pollster/strategist Brenda Gianiny and Democratic pollster/strategist Doug Schoen.

Both guest speakers had played pivotal roles in numerous successful campaigns at the highest levels of office. Covering everything from the leanings of key battleground states, the weaknesses of either party’s ticket, to topics like abortion and immigration, Gianiny and Schoen provided expert insights into the 2024 election landscape.

About Out Speakers

Brenda Gianiny, founding principal of Axis Research, is a nationally recognized expert in public opinion research with over two decades of experience in corporate America and Republican political campaigns. A seasoned pollster, she has advised presidential campaigns, U.S. Senate races, and local elections, including serving as the primary pollster for Bush-Cheney '04 and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Brenda’s expertise extends to corporate strategy, providing public policy and market insights for companies like Walmart, Anheuser-Busch, and ExxonMobil. Known for her client-focused approach, she integrates into teams to deliver data-driven strategies that maximize results.

In 2022, she worked on campaigns ranging from Senate Minority Whip John Thune to outgoing Congresswoman Liz Cheney. Brenda is also a frequent guest lecturer at institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Northwestern, sharing her insights on research and strategy.

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Douglas E. Schoen is a veteran Democratic campaign consultant with over 40 years of experience and a founding partner of Penn, Schoen & Berland. Recognized as a co-inventor of overnight polling, he was named Pollster of the Year in 1996 for his role in President Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign.

Schoen has advised prominent political figures, including NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, as well as international leaders like British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. His corporate clients include AOL Time Warner, Procter & Gamble, and AT&T.

An author of several books, Schoen regularly contributes to outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post and appears frequently as a Fox News contributor. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard, he also holds a Harvard Law degree and a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford.

2024 Democratic National Convention Luncheon with Jefrey Pollock & Celinda Lake

2024 Democratic National Convention Luncheon

with

Jefrey Pollock

Pollster, Democratic Strategist, Founding Partner and President of Global Strategy Group

and

Celinda Lake

Pollster, Democratic Strategist, Founding Partner and President Lake Research Center

…

Tuesday, August 20,  12:30 - 2pm CDT, In-Person, Chicago IL 

University Club of Chicago

The 2024 election brought a whole new race, and The Common Good was in Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention to take a deep dive into it.

We hosted a top-level conversation over lunch with two of the most important Democratic pollster-campaign strategists in the business: Jefrey Pollock and Celinda Lake, both of whom have served as pollsters for Joe Biden and top elected officials across the nation. Watch below now!

Celinda Lake, one of the foremost experts on electing women candidates and understanding women voters, shared her insights. Jefrey Pollock, who has worked with many Democratic governors and other elected officials—including Governors Kathy Hochul (NY), Ned Lamont (CT), JB Pritzker (IL), Josh Shapiro (PA), and Senator Joe Manchin (WV)—provided his expertise on campaign strategy. Don’t miss insights from two of the top pollsters in the business!

About Our Speaker’s

Celinda Lake is one of the Democratic Party’s leading political strategists and a top pollster for the Biden 2020 campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and numerous Democratic candidates. As president of Lake Research Partners, she specializes in cutting-edge research on issues like the economy, health care, and education, serving major organizations such as AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood, and NRDC. Her international work spans Liberia, Ukraine, and South Africa.

An expert on electing women candidates and framing issues for women voters, Celinda has helped elect prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Janet Napolitano, and Carol Moseley-Braun, the first African-American woman in the U.S. Senate. Widely regarded as a "super-strategist," she is renowned for her research on single women voters and her collaborations with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other trailblazing women leaders.

Her insights are frequently featured in top publications like The Washington Post and The New York Times, and she is a regular commentator on networks including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR.

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Jefrey Pollock is the founding Partner and President of Global Strategy Group (GSG) and a pollster for the Biden re-election campaign. Twice named “Pollster of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants, he has worked with governors, senators, and members of Congress, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Joe Manchin, and many others.

Pollock’s clients include national organizations like the DCCC, DSCC, EMILY’s List, and Senate Majority PAC. He has also conducted research and branding for major entities such as Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Gates Foundation, and Everytown for Gun Safety. His work has earned recognition from The New York Times as one of the country’s leading pollsters.