Former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik joined us for a discussion on law enforcement, corrections and prison reform, and national security.

Actor and activist Adrian Grenier joined The Common Good to talk about his documentary, 52: The Search for the Loneliest Whale in the World, which is about the forgotten “52 Hertz Whale.” In our ever-present fascination with these majestic beasts, the tale of “52” prompts an intense reaction amongst our own species. Director Joshua Zeman also join to speak about his work.

The Common Good hosted a meet and greet with Ambassador Christopher Hill. Ambassador Hill is a former career diplomat, a four-time ambassador, nominated by three presidents, whose last post was as Ambassador to Iraq.

We were thrilled to have iconic singer/songwriter and political activist, Peter Yarrow, join us for a discussion of recently released book, Peter Paul and Mary: Fifty Years in Music and Life.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called him “one of the best strategic thinkers in uniform today”. Admiral William Fallon is known for his challenges to the war policies of the Bush-Cheney administration. His commitment to putting diplomacy first marked his career of 40 years as a leader to the U.S. military. The Common Good was thrilled to host Admiral William Fallon to brief us on U.S. national security needs at a time when the international climate is very unstable.

The Common Good hosted one of today’s greatest business leaders, Executive Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt.

The Common Good hosted J Street’s President and Founder, Jeremy Ben-Ami, on his analysis of their poll of Jewish Americans last week and what their findings mean for the President’s Middle East policies going forward.

Do flaws in our justice system drive inequality in the United States? Journalist and two-time New York Times bestselling author, Matt Taibbi revealed his findings as an advocate journalist for the stories kept hidden, those of corruption and fraud. We heard Taibbi’s ideas about what is threatening our justice system and the power wealth has to tip the balance, as published in his recent book The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap.

The Common Good encouraged members to take a look beyond the numbers and the 24 hour news cycle for a dynamic and fascinating breakdown of the 2014 Elections with an incredible lineup of political experts: John Harwood, Patrick Caddell, Anna Greenberg, Carol E. Lee, Steve Kornacki, Jim McLaughlin, and Jefrey Pollock.

John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist and acclaimed author lead The Common Good in discussion centered around his recently authored book, The Fourth Revolution.

As China’s power and reach grows ever more rapidly; understanding this behemoth is critically important. The Common Good hosted a thoughtful discussion with Evan Osnos on China’s 35-year political and cultural transformation.

Where has the real news gone? Jill Abramson shed light on that topic, the rapidly changing landscape of political journalism and why important events and voices of our voters and country are getting less news focus.  

The Common Good honored individuals who have made exceptional contributions to democracy and changing the world with The American Spirit Awards: Arnon Milchan, Jose Antonio Vargas and Lilly Ledbetter.

Incumbent Democratic Senator John Walsh was bidding for a second term in the Treasure State in the 2014 elections.  Despite primary opposition and a Republican opponent who was polling 14 points ahead, Walsh counted on the appeal of his career in uniform, experience as lieutenant governor, and recent role as appointed Senator.

On the fiftieth anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, acclaimed Vanity Fair and Politico journalist Todd Purdum released his new book “An Idea Whose Time Has Come”.

Fifty years after John F. Kennedy’s shocking and saddening death, our country is wrapped up in an era marked by political division, partisan bickering and cynicism. But attorney and author Scott Reich believes that Kennedy’s inspirational and timeless message of public service and active citizenship—values that The Common Good so proudly promotes—has a new resonance today.

Nicole Hockley made us remember, David Gergen made us think – and laugh – and Edie Windsor inspired us at The Common Good American Spirit Awards. All of us at The Common Good want to thank all our Sponsors, guests, friends and supporters who helped make this night a huge success! With your help, we look forward to a bright future.