Democracy Project

About the Project

In November 2010, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) launched The Democracy Project – a bipartisan initiative that analyzes and advocates for improvements to our democratic institutions. Co-chaired by former Secretaries Dan Glickman and Dirk Kempthorne and AOL co-founder Steve Case, The Democracy Project has assembled an Advisory Committee consisting of some of the nation’s top government, business, civic, military and academic leaders. Despite their ideological differences, all share a concern about the tenor of our political discourse and a growing need to confront our many challenges together – from the national debt to national security.

Tom Daschle and Trent Lott reflect on Senate leadership, urge compromise
Jan. 19, 2012

U.S. Politics: Hurrah For The Red, White And Screwy
Jan. 4, 2012

Presidential election pandemonium does have its upsides. "While the process may seem confusing to some," says John C. Fortier, director of the Democracy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, "we are one of a few countries that give voters a direct role in selecting the nominees of the party. In most other democracies, party insiders select the candidates."

Edwards and Glickman: A Call for Civility in American Politics
Jan. 24, 2012

Just a little more than a year ago, a gunman shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) at a meeting she was holding with constituents in Tucson, Ariz. Even though the shooter did not appear to be motivated by a political agenda, the intimate portrait of Giffords that emerged prompted many who engage in what now passes for political “conversation” to reassess the increasing tendency toward demonization of those whose beliefs or experiences have led them to hold positions different from our own.

Surging Santorum Takes On Romney In Michigan
Article · Voice of America · Feb. 16, 2012

Lessons Not Learned: Super PACs and a Return to the Nixon Era
Article · The Huffington Post · Feb. 15, 2012

Republican Presidential Contenders Woo Conservatives
Article · Voice of America · Feb. 10, 2012

Flurry of Budget Process Reforms Blanket House
Article · Roll Call · Feb. 7, 2012

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