John,

When I was first elected to the Senate, Bill Bradley – the great Senator from New Jersey – challenged me to have dinner or meetings with every one of my Republican colleagues. 

I followed his advice, but the one guy I couldn’t get to meet with me was Jim Inhofe. 

I decided to take matters into my own hands and go visit his office. The first thing I noticed was a challenge to my own implicit biases. I didn’t think this elderly white guy would have on his mantle, centered, a photo of him in the embrace of a little black girl. 

So I said, “Mr. Chairman, sir, who’s that?”

And he laughed and told me the story of adopting this little girl out of a very serious crisis. And it shook me a little – I didn’t expect it. 

Months later, an education bill was going through the Senate. I had an amendment that I knew could help homeless and foster kids, the kids who have the worst educational outcomes – but I wasn’t allowed to introduce it. 

Then I saw Inhofe walk into the hall of the Senate, and he said he was going to sponsor my amendment. 

I would never have had this moment if I hadn’t walked into his office and had this one thread of connection. I can never, ever let myself lose perspective that no matter who I am talking to, I am sure we can find something to build upon.

I strongly believe that we should stand our ground and fight – but standing your ground doesn’t mean you can’t do the more difficult work of finding common ground. If you’re with me, will you make a contribution today to help us lay the pathway to a better tomorrow?

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With love and gratitude,

Cory