Fall 2023 On the Point newsletter from the Kennedy Institute

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Kennedy Institute Newsletter | FALL 2023
FROM THE CEO, ADAM HINDS
If you are like me, you might be losing sleep over the state of our democracy. But that is why I am so happy to be at the Kennedy Institute as we turn into an election year. With every new program we launch at the Institute we aim to further enhance our role as a leader in strengthening American democracy, with a particular focus on the US Senate.

Last month we hosted the Pew Research Center at the Institute for the launch of their latest polling on American democracy. They found that Americans have grown tired of politics, and just 16% say they trust the federal government always or most of the time. A recent poll from the University of Virginia Center for Politics Poll found that 41% of Biden voters and 38% of Trump voters at least somewhat believe that the other side has become so extreme that it is acceptable to use violence to prevent them from achieving their goals.

That is one motivation for teaming up with the institutes and foundations of former Republican Senators – Senators with whom Ted Kennedy worked closely – to reduce the divisions in this country that increasingly impact our governing institutions. Senator Kennedy represented the power of bipartisan leadership in support of a national vision, and that legacy has never been more relevant.

When we convened our fourth Senate Project debate ([link removed]) last month between Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) it was to model deliberation on issues of national importance before a national audience on CBS. We worked with the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and the Bipartisan Policy Center on this. An important result was strong statements from national leaders about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions and norms as we enter the 2024 election year. The Senators also have this op-ed together in The Hill ([link removed]) as a result.

The word is getting out about our other initiatives like the
Hyannis Port Summit we convened with the McCain Institute ([link removed]) , and we have more partnership announcements coming soon.

As you will see in this edition of On the Point, through our civic education programs, Senate Project series, and forums, we are demonstrating to students, the public, and even senators themselves that constructive, bipartisan dialogue in the Senate – and every area of government – is possible and necessary for our democracy to thrive.

As I round my first year as CEO, I see very clearly that with your support and partnership and the inspiration of Senator Kennedy’s legacy, the Institute will continue to grow its role as a leader in strengthening American democracy. I am grateful to do this work with all of you.

Sincerely,
Adam Hinds
CEO
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
THE SENATE PROJECT
Debate #4: Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE)

The fourth installment of The Senate Project debate series occurred on Monday, September 18 and featured Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). Moderated by CBS News’s Senior White House & Political Correspondent Ed O’Keefe, the debate covered topics of China, environmental policy, and opportunities for bipartisanship and reform within the U.S. Senate. Both Senators appreciated the opportunity to speak about their differing stances and approaches on modern-day issues and how civil discourse is necessary to create meaningful legislation in a functioning democracy.

Coons and Rubio agreed that polarization within Congress is noticed by both our adversaries and our allies.

"I've moved from confidence about the future of our democracy to grave concern. We are fraying ... Our Senate floor is empty and silent most of the time," said Senator Coons. "And so I'm here because I was invited to take the stage with someone who's served as long as I have and with whom I've legislated across the arc of our 13 years. And I'm confident that without this work, without reigniting the spirit of Hatch and Kennedy, we really are at risk of losing this most sacred project of our republic."

"Bipartisan doesn't mean you agree even on the issues, specifically on how to solve them. It means you agree that the process matters to solving these problems. You have to have a process in which they're solved. And the lack of that, especially in this day and age, is actually hurting the country," said Senator Rubio. "And so I think it's important any time we have an opportunity, whether it's on this stage or on the floor of the Senate, to show that there are some principles that still govern us and how we behave, because the lack of that invites our adversaries to do things that act against us."
"I am here because I believe that bipartisan solutions are lasting solutions. Without this work, without reigniting the spirit of Hatch and Kennedy, we really are at risk of losing this most sacred project of
our republic."

Senator Chris Coons
(D-DE)
"Bipartisan doesn’t mean you agree even on the issues. It means you believe that the process matters…and that lack of that in this day and age is hurting the country."

Senator Marco Rubio
(R-FL)

The Senators were so inspired by their Senate Project debate that they shared their reflections in an op-ed to The Hill ([link removed]) , stating:
"On stage, we recognized that we could hold our opinions strongly without it impacting how we feel about each other. We found overlapping interests and areas of agreement — more of them than you might think.

Ultimately we uplifted our shared identity as Americans, rather than merely identifying as Democrat or Republican."
The goal of The Senate Project ([link removed]) ™ debate series is to reintroduce the culture of seeking common ground and consensus that has been the essence of the Senate since it was conceived in 1789, and is a partnership between the Bipartisan Policy Center, Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, and Edward M. Kennedy Institute. The next Senate Project debate is being planned for this winter and will be hosted in Utah.
Read "The Hill" article ([link removed])
View the Full Debate ([link removed])
Photos From the Debate ([link removed])
Debate #3: Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

The Kennedy Institute hosted the third installment of The Senate Project series in our one-of-a-kind full-scale replica of the Senate chambers. Featuring Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the conversation was moderated by FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier and streamed live on FOX Nation.

The two Senators discussed a wide range of foreign policy topics, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and Iran sanctions, and the fentanyl crisis. The debate ended with the Senators acknowledging the common ground between them and appreciating The Senate Project series for establishing a forum that can showcase consensus and compromise between the two political parties.
"While the Senate is known as the world's greatest deliberative body, too often we really do a poor job of living up to that standard. I believe that we can have constructive debates on the issues that are facing
our great country."

Senator Joni Ernst
(R-IA)
"There are a lot of areas where we agree. There are some areas where we disagree. But I think the point of working together is figuring out where we can compromise, where we understand and share the same goals."

Senator Jeanne Shaheen
(D-NH)
"Senator Shaheen and I have worked on so many different issues and it has been such a great privilege for me, and I've always appreciated her willingness to find that common ground. It might surprise some of you out there that Republicans and Democrats can actually have productive and civil discussions. It was amazing to do this today," said Senator Ernst. "And while the Senate is known as the world's greatest deliberative body, too often we really do a poor job of living up to that standard. I believe that we can, and we should be able to have constructive debates on the issues that are facing all of the citizens of our great country."

"As you heard, there are a lot of areas where we agree. There are some areas where we disagree. But I think the point of working together is figuring out where we can compromise, where we understand and share the same goals and that's what we've done," said Senator Shaheen. "I appreciate the sponsors of this event today and bringing people together to say people do work together in the Senate, that's what's in the best interest of this country."
View the Full Debate ([link removed])
Photos From the Debate ([link removed])
The Senate Project and its founding partners take inspiration from the model of political bridge-building established by the late Senator Ted Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, and the late Senator Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican, in working past party and political differences to forge consensus on landmark healthcare reform legislation and other bipartisan bills.

In describing their relationship, Senator Hatch once said “When we did agree, everyone turned to get out of the way. They thought if Kennedy and Hatch can get it together, it must be good.” And Senator Kennedy once told reporters, “If you build upon that kind of understanding and respect, you can get a lot of things done.”
The Senate Project partners co-authored an op-ed in the Boston Business Journal outlining the economic effects of instability driven by our government’s partisan divide, unpredictable reactions to election results, and threats of political violence.

Boston Business Journal: Partisanship's threat to business ([link removed])
HYANNIS PORT SUMMITS
Kennedy Institute convenes 10 former U.S. senators for inaugural Hyannis Port Summit
Left to Right: Heidi Heitkamp, Cory Gardner, Barbara Boxer, Tom Daschle, Saxby Chambliss, Russ Feingold, Ben Nelson, Gordon Smith, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Mel Martinez.

A bipartisan group of 10 former United States senators – five Democrats and five Republicans – gathered at the historic Kennedy Family home in Hyannis Port, Mass. for three days of conversation about how the nation’s current political climate is negatively impacting today’s Senate. They also discussed ways to expand bipartisan cooperation on legislative solutions to major issues facing the country.

The weekend gathering in June was organized by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston and the McCain Institute, a nonpartisan organization inspired by the late Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service, which is based in Washington and a part of Arizona State University.

The Kennedy Institute and McCain Institute continue to work with the Summit participants to promote their agreed recommendations. Important future Hyannis Port Summits are being prepared for 2024.
Read More ([link removed])
CIVIC EDUCATION
Relaunching the Senate Immersion Module
[link removed]
While we convene national leaders on solutions for generating constructive dialogue in policymaking and modeling civil discourse and bipartisan solutions between sitting senators, we continue our work to educate young people on the legislative process and the unique role of the Senate in a functioning American democracy.

The start of the September school year marked the relaunch of our award-winning Senate Immersion Module (SIM), fortifying the Kennedy Institute as a leader in civic learning and facilitator that teaches the value of bipartisanship in creating policies that serve everyone.

Guided by education staff and individualized digital tablets, the SIM is a 2.5-hour in-person program for students in grades 8-12 that employs role-play and a simulated Senate session to immerse students in learning about the legislative process, key policy issues, and the skills necessary for effective law-making and sustainable civic life — civil dialogue and negotiating differences by identifying common interests. Students take on the roles of senators to develop a bill that addresses a major policy issue facing the nation and are encouraged to reach across the aisle and work with other senators to identify mutual interests that will benefit their constituents.
Learn More about the SIM ([link removed])

Our civic education programming was recently featured in a New York Times article on teaching students about the impacts of artificial intelligence. Students held a mock hearing to draft, debate, and ultimately vote on a mock federal A.I. safety bill regulating the fairness, safety, and privacy of artificial intelligence technologies.

New York Times: Hey, Alexa, What Should Students Learn About A.I.? ([link removed])
PAST EVENTS | in case you missed it
"25 Years of the Good Friday Agreement" Conference

On September 26, the Kennedy Institute hosted a conference where participants reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and explored ongoing challenges in consolidating peace and the opportunities for greater economic prosperity in Northern Ireland in the years ahead.

Speakers included former US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland and chair of the Good Friday talks, Senator George Mitchell; Congressman Richard Neal; Special Envoy for Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs Joseph Kennedy III; Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Government of Ireland; Lord Jonathan Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland office, United Kingdom Government; representatives from the five major political parties in Northern Ireland; and international business leaders.
Read more and view recording ([link removed])
Kennedy Institute, Pew Research Center host conversations on Americans' deepening dissatisfaction with elected officials, government

[link removed]

On October 5, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and the Pew Research Center hosted a former senator, former governor, and former state senator for a candid conversation on Americans’ deepening dissatisfaction with their elected officials and government and what that means for the future of American politics.

Speaking on a panel moderated by Morning Joe Senior Contributor and veteran columnist, Mike Barnicle, panelists former Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD), former Governor Christine Todd Whitman (NJ), and former state Senator and Kennedy Institute Board Member Linda Dorcena Forry (MA) reflected on the new Pew Research Center report ([link removed]) showing that Americans’ views of politics and elected officials are unrelentingly negative, and discussed how we can work to change American’s faith in politics and government.

Pew Research Center Associate Director Jocelyn Kiley presented Pew’s findings in their report, “Americans’ Dismal Views of the Nation’s Politics,” ([link removed]) which identified widespread criticism of the three branches of government, both political parties, as well as political leaders and candidates for office.
Watch the Recording ([link removed])
Kennedy Institute CEO Adam Hinds and Board Member Linda Dorcena Forry joined GBH's "Talking Politics" to discuss the impacts of Americans' growing frustrations with their elected officials and how our commitment to convening critical conversations can help strengthen American democracy.

WGBH: Talking Politics: October 6, 2023 ([link removed])
The Legislative Path to Supreme Court Reform
[link removed]

On October 25, the Kennedy Institute and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences hosted a panel discussion examining how 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices could be established without the need for a Constitutional amendment and the role the Senate could play in enacting such a reform.

The conversation between Professor Akhil Amar, Professor Charles Fried, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, and Gabe Roth, moderated by Judge Patti Saris, discussed a new publication from the bipartisan U.S. Supreme Court Working Group of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, The Case for Supreme Court Term Limits ([link removed]) .
The paper lays out why reform is needed, how term limits would positively impact growing polarization and partisanship on the court, and presents a possible path forward.
Watch the Recording ([link removed])
YOUR SUPPORT | make a difference
Kennedy Institute announces Pamela Peak as new Chief Development Officer

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate has appointed Pamela Peak as Chief Development Officer. Peak brings two decades of experience in political science and fundraising to strengthen the Kennedy Institute's nationwide work to develop solutions to move the country toward a constructive, productive, and functioning American democracy.

Peak will lead the Kennedy Institute’s fundraising and development strategies to grow and strengthen the community of funders, sponsors, and members in support of the Kennedy Institute’s hallmark programs designed to encourage constructive dialogue in policymaking and promote the unique and critical role of the United States Senate to students, the public, and political leaders.

“The essential role the Kennedy Institute plays in creating informed citizens and working to solve America’s political divide makes it an invaluable institution deserving of support from across the country,” said Peak. “I am excited to further the Kennedy Institute’s mission by exploring untapped partnerships and connecting them to the shared values of a stronger, better functioning American government.”
OTHER NEWS | learn more
Can the Edward M. Kennedy Institute Save Democracy?
(Boston Magazine, September 2023)

[link removed]

"In addition to serving its core mission, the Kennedy Institute has recently thrust itself into the forefront of national politics."

Our work to strengthen American democracy is being recognized. Boston Magazine spoke with Board Chair Bruce Percelay and CEO Adam Hinds about our work to champion, modernize, elevate, and advance the role of the United States Senate in a functioning government.
Boston Magazine: Can the Kennedy Institute Save Democracy? ([link removed])

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