LeeAnn Inadomi ’85 served in the White House under President Bill Clinton as special assistant to the president for cabinet affairs between April 1995 and April 1996.
How do we bring courtesy to politics when mudslinging dominates the headlines?
It’s about a thorough debate of ideas and refraining from personal attacks. We have an occupant in the White House who takes to Twitter and is usually uncivil. I believe Vice President Biden is an honest and decent man who has dedicated his life to public service. He will try to keep the election focused on policy proposals and what he can do to rebuild the economy after the pandemic.
How do we encourage bipartisanship?
[Bipartisanship] is reaching across the aisle and being willing to compromise for what is best for the American people. There has to be give and take. I remember being hopeful after the 2016 election that Donald Trump would be a moderate, but that hasn’t happened. It is my hope that our elected officials can come together in this fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
If many young people don’t think the parties represent their interests, why should they vote?
Young people are always so passionate and idealistic, but it’s important for them to participate — even when their ideals don’t completely align with one of the parties. I’m tackling this now with my 18-year-old son, explaining the importance of participating in this election. It’s setting the stage to be a lifelong participant in voting. It’s caring enough about our society to say that your opinion matters. You demonstrate that by casting your ballot.
Bill McGinley ’92 served in the White House under President Donald Trump as assistant to the president and cabinet secretary between January 2017 and July 2019.
How do we bring courtesy to politics when mudslinging dominates the headlines?
It begins when people listen to each other and try to understand the other person’s point of view. Both parties want what is best for America, but many times they approach these problems with different solutions. Returning to policy-focused discussions allows both sides to find solutions. Now is the time for every leader to work together to find solutions for the American people.
How do we encourage bipartisanship?
Common Americans are the ones who show us the path forward — neighbors helping neighbors, protesters and police officers who show courage by deescalating a tense situation, or restaurants devastated by the pandemic that still provide food to needy families. These acts of kindness are bipartisanship at a very personal level. We can preserve the ideal of bipartisanship by helping our fellow Americans and treating each other with respect and compassion.
If many young people don’t think the parties represent their interests, why should they vote?
Voting is a core right and a civic responsibility. As a friend once said, “Democracy is a participatory process.” If you want your voice to be heard, tune out the partisan bickering and research the candidates and their policy positions. The America we create during the 2020 election will have a profound impact on the future. The youth of America should make their voices heard.