If you want to change the game, changing the rules and incentives of the game is a powerful approach.
Few people who watch the news - or those folks who avoid watching the news! - would say the political system in the United States is going according to plan. The founding fathers, if they were alive today, would be aghast at the unbridgeable chasm that seems to have developed in our political culture, making dialogue, compromise and progress nearly impossible on some of our most pressing issues.
In fact, our founding fathers warned against the rise of what they called factions in their time, and what we today call political parties.
All of this is happening at a time when the majority of Americans agree that common-sense laws for guns, healthcare and other issues are badly needed. If you look at the numbers, we’re closer together on more issues than you’d think. Research shows that our leaders are often much more polarized than we as a people are. Meanwhile, the US and local governments get less done, eroding our confidence in our democracy.
What can we do to change the game? Some people say “let’s get rid of the electoral college!” but such large scale changes are hard. My guest today has a simple solution that starts at the local level to change the political conversation.
Nick Troiano is a civic entrepreneur based in Denver, Colorado, and is the Executive Director of Unite America –– a non-partisan organization that seeks to foster a more functional and representative government.
Nick has been a leader in the political reform movement over the last decade, beginning as a founding staff member of Americans Elect in 2010. Nick ran for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 10th District in 2014 and drew national attention as both the youngest candidate that cycle and the most competitive independent U.S. House candidate in nearly two decades. He subsequently worked for Change.org to launch a mobile application to help voters cast informed ballots.
In 2016, Nick was named to the "Forbes 30 Under 30" for Law & Policy. He earned a Master’s degree in American Government from Georgetown University. He has spoken on the topics of political and fiscal reform to dozens of groups across the country, including along three national bus tours that collectively visited over 40 states. Nick is the author of The Primary Solution an *excellent* book that explains the challenge and a viable set of solutions to political division in America, and a producer on the 2024 film Majority Rules which lets you watch political change unfold in real-time.
I highly recommend watching Majority Rules - you can rent it on YouTube now! You will see partisan politicians learn to navigate a different political game as the rules are changed - and become more issues-focused instead of attacking personalities, and more inclusive than divisive. I also highly recommend supporting primary reform in your region - it’s a non-partisan issue that can help us become less partisan!
Listen to the end where Nick and I discuss how he leads his organization and builds coalitions while living his leadership and political values.
Links, Quotes, Notes, and Resources
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Primary-Solution/Nick-Troiano/9781668028254
https://majorityrulesfilm.com/
David Mayhew’s Book “Congress: The Electoral Connection”
More About Nick Troiano
Nick Troiano is a civic entrepreneur based in Denver, Colorado, and is the Executive Director of Unite America –– a non-partisan organization that seeks to foster a more functional and representative government.
Nick has been a leader in the political reform movement over the last decade, beginning as a founding staff member of Americans Elect in 2010. Nick ran for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 10th District in 2014 and drew national attention as both the youngest candidate that cycle and the most competitive independent U.S. House candidate in nearly two decades. He subsequently worked for Change.org to launch a mobile application to help voters cast informed ballots.
In 2016, Nick was named to the "Forbes 30 Under 30" for Law & Policy. He earned a Master’s degree in American Government from Georgetown University. He has spoken on the topics of political and fiscal reform to dozens of groups across the country, including along three national bus tours that collectively visited over 40 states. Nick is the author of The Primary Solution, and a producer on the 2024 film Majority Rules.
AI Generated Summary
Daniel Stillman and Nick Troiano discussed the importance of communication and collaboration in advocating for systemic changes in U.S. politics, particularly the abolition of partisan primaries. Troiano emphasized that open all-candidate primaries would enhance voter empowerment and improve representation in Congress, citing recent electoral reforms in states like Alaska as examples of positive change. He encouraged support for ballot initiatives aimed at promoting these reforms to strengthen democracy.
Nick Troiano advocates for abolishing party primaries to enhance political representation and cooperation, noting that only 7% of eligible voters influence 87% of congressional elections. He supports an open all-candidate primary system, citing successful reforms in Alaska that encourage broader coalitions among candidates. Both speakers highlight growing momentum for electoral reforms, with six states considering initiatives to abolish party primaries.
Finding Common Ground (3 min)
(2:04) - Nick Troiano emphasizes the need for shared values. He describes 'the spectrum' exercise for dialogue. Daniel Stillman reflects on political polarization. Many may share common ground despite differences.
Civic Engagement Journey (4 min)
(6:00) - Nick Troiano highlights the complexity of political opinions. He shares his civic engagement journey and motivations. Troiano advocates for systemic change in politics. Daniel Stillman expresses interest in improving discourse.
Impact of Primaries (4 min)
(11:30) - Nick Troiano critiques party primaries' influence on politics. He highlights disenfranchisement of independent voters. Primaries distort representation and discourage cooperation. Congress often fails to act on majority-supported issues.
Moderation and Open Primaries (4 min)
(14:30) - Daniel Stillman discusses moderation's role in politics. Nick Troiano advocates for open all-candidate primaries. This system empowers voters and enhances representation. Stillman reflects on potential changes in political dialogue.
Electoral Reforms Impact (4 min)
(19:20) - Nick Troiano highlights Alaska's electoral reforms. Top-four primaries and ranked choice voting diversify candidates. Candidates must appeal to a broader electorate. Daniel Stillman shares challenges in discussing reforms.
Challenges of Reform (2 min)
(23:55) - Nick Troiano addresses challenges in electoral system changes. He encourages debate on potential improvements. Historical reforms are highlighted for context. Daniel Stillman agrees on the need for change.
Principles Over Policies (3 min)
(26:17) - Nick Troiano advocates for principle-based conversations. A voting system for all candidates is essential. Daniel Stillman highlights complexities in electoral systems. Inclusivity in elections is crucial for representation.
Challenges to Democracy (3 min)
(29:31) - Nick Troiano highlights increasing political division. Grassroots movements aim for better representation. Troiano sees progress towards a more perfect union. Daniel Stillman notes innovation's importance in political processes.
Values of Leadership (5 min)
(32:54) - Nick Troiano discusses Unite America's guiding values. Collaboration among diverse political backgrounds is emphasized. Balancing idealism and pragmatism is a core challenge. Troiano encourages engagement in reshaping political processes.