John Heilemann

John Heilemann

Political Reporter & NBC/MSNBC Analyst, Creator and Host of “The Circus”, Bestselling Author of “Game Change”, Partner and chief political columnist at Puck News

John Heilemann is known to have a “knack for asking candidates thought-provoking, creative questions that virtually no one has ever thought to ask.” He is the creator and host of the heralded and Emmy nominated political docuseries The Circus, a national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and most recently joined Puck News as Partner and chief political columnist.  He is the co-author of two New York Times No. 1 best sellers, Game Change and Double Down; both of which are widely regarded as “two of the most successful and influential books in history on presidential politics” and “the definitive accounts of the 2008 and 2012 elections, respectively.” Game Change was adapted by HBO Films and went on to win five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award. Heilemann is also the former managing editor of Bloomberg Politics and host of MSNBC and Bloomberg TV's daily political news and analysis program “With All Due Respect”. Before joining Bloomberg, Heilemann was a staff writer and columnist at New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Wired, and The Economist. His magazine writing has also appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ, Time, The New Republic, and The Washington Monthly, and been anthologized in The Best American Political Writing and The Best American Crime Writing.

John Heilemann participated as a moderator at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” featuring panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

Heilemann was also the moderator of the Rule of Law, Investigations, Testing the New Supremes discussion at The Common Good in 2019.

 
 

X: @jheil

Instagram: @jheilemann

Frank Bruni

Frank Bruni

New York Times Columnist & Reporter for 25 years, Author of five New York Times Best Sellers, including“Age of Grievance”, Professor of Public Policy & Journalism at Duke University 

Frank Bruni “has not written about just one thing, but seemingly about all things.” With an impressive three-decade career, including over 25 years at The New York Times, Bruni has become a nationally renowned op-ed columnist, celebrated journalist, and bestselling author. His diverse body of work includes deep dives into American politics, food, family, war, vision loss, religion, and LGBTQ issues. At the Times, Bruni served as the Rome bureau chief and White House correspondent, where he was the lead reporter covering George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. He later penned Ambling into History, a bestseller about Bush. Bruni is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Age of Grievance. This book, praised by New York Times opinion columnist Bret Stephens as “the most astute diagnosis of the rage, recrimination, and revenge culture that ails our country,” also offers a hopeful prescription for redemption. Bruni’s exploration of the culture of grievance reveals its deep impact on America’s current divisive climate. Beyond his writing, he remains active as a contributing opinion writer for the Times, sharing his insights at least weekly. Additionally, Bruni serves as the Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy at Duke University and frequently appears as a television commentator.


Frank Bruni participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

X: @FrankBruni

Instagram: @Frankabruni64

The New York Times: Frank Bruni

Alyssa Farah Griffin

Alyssa Farah Griffin

Former top spokesperson for President Donald Trump & Vice President Mike Pence, Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Defense, Co-Host of The View, CNN Commentator

Alyssa Farah Griffin holds the unique distinction of being the only person to serve as a top spokesperson for the President, Vice President, and the Department of Defense within a single administration. She also made history as the youngest Pentagon Press Secretary. In her role as White House communications director, Griffin played a pivotal part in significant initiatives, such as strategizing the communications for a Supreme Court Justice confirmation and managing public messaging for Operation Warp Speed, the rapid vaccine development program. During her tenure as Pentagon Press Secretary, Griffin accompanied the Secretary of Defense on important international trips, including a secret visit to Afghanistan to announce peace talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. She also served as Senior Advisor, preparing the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for congressional hearings. In 2020, Griffin resigned from her role as White House communications director, expressing discomfort with the public messaging surrounding the election results. She told Politico, “I wasn’t comfortable being a part of sharing this message to the public that the election results might go a different way. I didn’t see that to be where the facts lay.” After her resignation, Griffin joined The View as a co-host and became a political commentator for CNN. She has emerged as a prominent Republican critic of the former President. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney commended Griffin on The View, stating, “You gave people the courage that they could come forward and talk to the committee, and it was really, really important.”


Alyssa Farah Griffin participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

X: @Alyssafarah

Instagram: @Alyssafarah

Congressman David Jolly

Congressman David Jolly


Former Republican Congressman, Political Analyst on CNN and MSNBC with Publications featured in The Washington Post, TIME Magazine, and Roll Call

Congressman David Jolly (R-FL), who represented Florida’s 13th district from 2014 to 2017, made a name for himself as a pragmatic and independent voice within the GOP, often willing to break from party lines. Known for “speaking the truth” and being “the one Congressman willing to compromise,” Jolly has become a prominent advocate for reducing partisan rancor and promoting solutions-oriented leadership. Although he held several traditionally Republican views, Jolly prioritized pragmatic solutions over rigid ideology during his time in office. Jolly’s congressional career ended in 2016 after an electoral redistricting made his district more Democratic-leaning, leading to his defeat by Democrat Charlie Crist. Following his loss, Jolly grew increasingly critical of the Republican Party’s alignment with former President Trump. In 2018, he left the GOP, asserting, “You can’t be never-Trump and be a Republican,” as he believed the party had become too entrenched in Trump’s divisive politics. Since leaving Congress, Jolly has used his platform to advocate for reforms to America’s two-party system. Through his writings in major outlets like Time, The Washington Post, CNN, and the Tampa Bay Times, he has championed the idea of a multi-party democracy, arguing, “Most leading nations have multi-party democracies…and voters feel better represented.” Jolly currently serves as a political commentator for MSNBC and CNN and works as Executive Vice President at Shumaker Advisors Florida LLC. Before his congressional career, he worked for Rep. Bill Young and as a lobbyist in D.C. He is also the editor of A Divided Union, a book examining the challenges to bipartisanship. Jolly’s journey from a Republican congressman to a vocal critic of partisan politics highlights his commitment to pluralistic governance and his belief in policy-based decision-making over party allegiance.


Former Congressman David Jolly participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

Jolly also participated in The Common Good Forum & American Spirit Awards on May 21st, 2018, speaking on the “Political Landscape: Panel: Future of Elections, Campaigns, & Parties” panel alongside Susan Del Percio, John Della Volpe, and William Schneider, moderated by John Harwood.

Twitter: @DavidJollyFL

Steven Brill

Steven Brill

Journalist, Bestselling Author, “The Death of Truth”, Yale Professor, Founder of the Yale Journalism Initiative, NewsGuard, Court TV, and American Lawyer

Steven Brill, described as a “brilliant, award-winning reporter and bestselling author,” wears many hats: lawyer, entrepreneur, and journalist. Brill has a knack for diving deep into the pressing issues of our time. His upcoming book, The Death of Truth, explores how the erosion of shared truths and facts is fueling the rise of conspiracy theories and hoaxes, undermining our trust in leaders, institutions, and experts. But Brill doesn’t just diagnose the problem; he also offers a path forward to rebuild our collective faith in truth. Brill has a history of tackling complex topics with insightful analysis. His groundbreaking TIME special report, “Bitter Pill: How Medical Bills Are Killing Us,” earned a National Magazine Award in 2014 and laid the groundwork for his 2015 bestseller, America’s Bitter Pill, which delves into fixing our broken healthcare system. His other notable works include Class Warfare: Inside the Fight to Fix America’s Schools (2011) and After: The Rebuilding and Defending of America in the September 12th Era (2003). Brill’s latest bestseller, Tailspin: The People and Forces Behind America’s Fifty-Year Fall–and Those Fighting to Reverse It, continues his tradition of addressing critical societal issues. In 2018, Brill co-founded NewsGuard Technologies with Gordon Crovitz, a service dedicated to evaluating the credibility of news websites. The duo had previously collaborated on Journalism Online. Brill also founded and managed Court TV, The American Lawyer Magazine, and Brill’s Content magazine, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in both legal and journalistic fields.



Steven Brill participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

Congressman Tim Ryan

Congressman Tim Ryan

Former Democratic Congressman, Founder of We The People, Author of Healing America, and Opinion Writer for Newsweek

Congressman Tim Ryan has experienced the effects of divisive rhetoric and culture wars up close, having served as the representative for Ohio’s 13th district from 2003 to 2023. Despite Mahoning Valley, part of his district, shifting red in favor of former President Trump, Ryan, a Democrat, maintained strong support among his constituents, winning ten congressional races before stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate. Although he lost that tough race to J.D. Vance, who had aligned closely with Trump, Ryan’s success as a Democrat in a predominantly red state is a testament to his dynamic leadership in the House, his steadfast advocacy for working-class Americans, and his efforts to build bridges between Democrats and Republicans. “What he is in his own way — not my way — is he is trying to stand with the working class of Ohio — trying to stand with them and take on powerful special interests,” noted Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Nationally, Ryan became known for his positions on renewable energy, education reform, and mental health care. His forward-thinking approach earned him a reputation as a relatable and pragmatic leader who sought common ground and pursued practical solutions to complex challenges. After his political career, Ryan founded We The People, an advocacy group dedicated to fostering unity, reform, and reconciliation in American society and organizing voters frustrated with partisan politics. He also contributes as an opinion writer for Newsweek. Ryan’s tenure in Congress and his post-political efforts highlight his commitment to bridging divides and championing the needs of the working class, making him a notable figure in contemporary American politics. 


Former Congressman Tim Ryan participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, and Andrew Yang.

X: @TimRyan

Instagram: @TimryanOH

George Packer

George packer

Writer for The Atlantic and formerly The New Yorker, Award-Winning Author

George Packer is not just an acclaimed journalist and award-winning author; he’s a storyteller with a passion for unpacking the complexities of American politics, culture, and foreign policy. Currently a staff writer at The Atlantic, Packer joined the publication in 2018 after a distinguished 15-year tenure at The New Yorker. His work blends sharp analysis with compelling narrative, bringing clarity to our turbulent times. Packer has written ten books, with his latest, Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal, earning high praise. The National Peace Corps Association, paying homage to Packer’s own time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, lauded the book for its “stunning, synthesizing prose” and its insightful exploration of America’s challenges and potential paths forward. Throughout his career, Packer’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Book Award, the Hitchens Prize, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to his craft have also earned him fellowships at prestigious institutions like the American Academy in Berlin and the New York Public Library. Packer’s journey began at Yale College and was shaped by his service in the Peace Corps, experiences that continue to inform his nuanced perspectives. Whether dissecting the intricacies of foreign policy or delving into cultural critiques, Packer’s work is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and articulating the forces shaping our world.


George Packer participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, Heather Cox Richardson, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

The Atlantic: George Packer



Heather Cox Richardson

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

Leading National Commentator on U.S. History, Award-Winning Author, ”Letters from an American”, Professor of History at Boston College

Heather Cox Richardson captured the internet’s attention in 2019 with her nightly newsletter, Letters from an American. She is a celebrated historian, bestselling author, and Professor of History at Boston College. When the pandemic disrupted her book tour for How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America, Richardson turned a setback into an opportunity, launching a newsletter that would transform America’s political discourse. Her insightful chronicles, which use historical context to shed light on today’s political landscape, have attracted over a million followers on Substack, making it the platform’s largest newsletter. In 2022, Richardson was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year and was invited to the White House to interview President Joe Biden. Her career spans a wide range of historical periods, documented in her award-winning books that cover topics from the European settlement of North America to the history of the Republican Party through the Trump administration. Her latest bestseller, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, has been praised by Jane Mayer as “a vibrant, and essential history of America’s unending, enraging, and utterly compelling struggle since its founding to live up to its own best ideals.” Richardson’s work is not only popular in print; it has also appeared in esteemed publications like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Her ability to connect past and present has made her a crucial voice in contemporary political discourse.


Heather Cox Richardson participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Andrew Yang.

Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang

Former Candidate for US President and NYC Mayor, Bestselling Author of “Forward” & “The War on Normal People”, Co-Founder of the Forward Party

Andrew Yang catapulted onto the national stage with his audacious plan for Universal Basic Income (UBI). A former presidential and mayoral candidate, co-chair of the Forward Party, and bestselling author, Yang’s innovative ideas sparked widespread discussions on automation, income inequality, and the future of work. Continuing his mission to improve the lives of everyday Americans, Yang tirelessly fights to address economic challenges and empower communities. Before founding the Forward Party, Yang established Humanity Forward, a non-profit organization that successfully lobbied Congress for direct cash relief during the pandemic. In recognition of his public service, Yang received the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in 2021. A prolific author, Yang has published five books, including The War on Normal People and Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy. He also hosts the podcast Forward with Andrew Yang, where he continues to share his insights and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.

Andrew Yang participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and featuring co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, and Congressman Tim Ryan.

Instagram: @andrewyang

LinkedIn: Andrew Yang

X: @andrewyang


Kimberly Atkins Stohr

Kimberly Atkins Stohr is a senior opinion writer and columnist at The Boston Globe, and lead columnist for the Emancipator, a joint venture by Globe Opinion and the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research that reimagines 19th-century abolitionist newspapers to reframe the current national conversation on racial justice. She is also an MSNBC contributor, a guest host for the NPR/WBUR-produced news program On Point, and co-host of the weekly Politico legal news podcast #SistersInLaw. Previously, Stohr was the first Washington, DC-based news correspondent for WBUR. She has also served as the Boston Herald’s Washington bureau chief, guest host of C-SPAN’s morning call-in show Washington Journal,  and a Supreme Court reporter for Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and its sister publications. She has appeared as a political commentator on a host of national and international television and radio networks, including CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, NPR, Sky News (UK), and CBC News (Canada). Before launching her journalism career, she was a trial and appellate litigation attorney in Boston. Kimberly is a native of Michigan, and a graduate of Wayne State University, Boston University School of Law and Boston University College of Communication, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Stohr has moderated several conversions for The Common Good, including The Future of Roe v Wade with Wendy Davis and Rising Leaders Series: Meet Letitia James. She is currently a member of The Common Good Honorary Advisory Board.

Twitter: @KimberlyEAtkins

Instagram: @KimberlyEAtkins

LinkedIn: @KimberlyAtkinsStohr


Selected Media:

Gillian Sorensen

Gillian Sorensen has had a distinguished career with the United Nations serving as Assistant Secretary-General; Special Adviser for  Public Policy, and National Advocate for the United Nations Foundation. She worked closely with three Secretaries-General, with diplomats from 193 nations and with 4000 non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN. She began her career as the New York City Commissioner for the United Nations and Consular Corps, head of the city’s liaison office with 30,000 diplomats. She is an experienced public speaker and has addressed audiences here and abroad ranging from diplomats and politicians, to journalists and students, women’s groups and faith groups, civic leaders and cadets at both West Point and the Air Force Academy. Gillian has twice been a Fellow at Harvard. She serves on the Board of the International Rescue Committee and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She is active in political life and was a delegate to three national Presidential Conventions. She continues to inspire support for the UN on matters of peace, justice, human rights, and humanitarian and refugee relief. A New York Times profile referred to her as “The Diplomat’s Diplomat.” Sorensen has moderated several events for The Common Good, including Smithsonian American Women's History Museum with Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Smithsonian’s Lisa Sasaki. She is currently a member of The Common Good Honorary Advisory Board.

LinkedIn: @GillianSorensen

Selected Media:

Representative Abigail Spanberger

Rep. Abigail Spanberger

U.S. Representative

Rep. Spanberger serves Virginia’s seventh congressional district. Spanberger began her career in public service, first serving as a federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigating money laundering and narcotic cases, and then serving as a case officer with the CIA. As a CIA officer, she worked at home and abroad to collect vital intelligence, keep our country safe, and worked in furtherance of our national security priorities. In the private sector, Representative Spanberger worked with colleges and universities to help them diversify their student bodies and increase graduation rates.

Rep. Spanberger serves on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On the House Agriculture Committee, she serves as Chair of the Conservation & Forestry Subcommittee and as a member of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee. And on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Spanberger serves as Vice-Chair of the Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber Subcommittee and as a member of the Asia, Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee.

Representative Spanberger grew up in Henrico County. She earned her B.A at the University of Virginia and her MBA at a dual degree program between Purdue University’s Krannert School and the GISMA Business School in Hanover, Germany.

On November 30, 2021, Representative Abigail Spanberger participated in Rising Leaders Series: Meet Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA)

Letitia James

Letitia “Tish” James

New York Attorney General

Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General for the State of New York. With decades of work, she is an experienced attorney and public servant with a long record of accomplishments. She is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman to be elected Attorney General. 

In 2013, Ms. James was elected Public Advocate for the City of New York and became the first woman of color to hold citywide office. As Public Advocate, Ms. James served as a watchdog over New York City government agencies and as an advocate for the City’s most vulnerable communities. She Transformed the Public Advocate’s office to be a formidable engine for change.

Prior to serving as Public Advocate, Tish James represented the 35th Council District in Brooklyn in the New York City Council for ten years. As a council Member, she passed the Safe Housing Act, legislation that forced landlords to improve living conditions for tenants in New York City’s worst building. She also pushed through a revolutionary recycling package that included expanding plastic recycling, a new clothing and textile recycling program, and increased access to recycling in public spaces.

Tish James began her career as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society. A proud Brooklynite, she is a graduate of Lehman College and Howard University School of Law.

On November 11, 2021, Letitia “Tish” James participated in Meet Letitia James, New York's Attorney General

Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Representative

U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, and educator who is continuing her career of service as the first woman ever to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District in Congress.

Chrissy is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors who came to America with nothing. She grew up in a military family; her parents met when her father and grandfather flew P3s in the same Navy squadron. She earned her engineering degree from Stanford with an ROTC scholarship that launched her service in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, and later earned her M.S. in Technology and Policy from MIT.

Chrissy has helped lead several thriving Southeastern Pennsylvania companies including AND1, a basketball apparel company headquartered in Paoli, and B Lab, the organization that launched the B Corporation movement. She went on to serve in Teach for America as a chemistry teacher at Simon Gratz High School in North Philadelphia, and then led and scaled a non-profit helping thousands of underserved students all across America build their literacy skills.

These experiences helped shape her political vision of a great nation united by common values that leaves no one behind. She is committed to fighting for access to quality, affordable healthcare, common sense gun safety, government accountability and transparency, and working to build a strong, stable economy with good jobs and good benefits for everyone.

Chrissy is a leader driven by a spirit of service. A longtime resident of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and a first-time congressional representative heading to Washington to solve real problems for the people and communities of Pennsylvania.

On November 4, 2021, Chrissy Houlahan participated in Rising Leaders Series: Meet Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Gary Ginsberg

Gary Ginsberg

Author, Lawyer, and Corporate Adviser

Gary Ginsberg is a lawyer, American political operative and corporate adviser, serving as a strategist in both the public and private sectors for more than 25 years. He was most recently the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Communications at SoftBank Group Corp. before leaving in 2020. Prior to joining SoftBank, Ginsberg served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Time Warner and as Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs at News Corp.

Ginsberg began his career as a lawyer as an attorney at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. After that he served in the Clinton Administration at the White House’s Counsel office and the U.S. Department of Justice. In 1995, Ginsberg became Senior Editor and legal counsel for George, the magazine started by John. F. Kennedy, Jr.

In 2018, after being hired by SoftBank, Ginsberg has worked on a number of initiatives including the launch of a new global website and more sophisticated video content to sharpen the company’s messaging. Ginsberg is also the author of his new book First Friends: The Powerful, Unsung (and Unelected) People Who Shaped Our Presidents published in July 2021, which reached The New York Times Best Seller list.

On October 21, 2021, Gary Ginsberg participated in First Friends: The Powerful, Unsung (and Unelected) People Who Shaped Our President's

Tom Allon

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Tom Allon

President of City & State

Tom Allon is the president and publisher of City & State, a company dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy. 

Allon has over three decades of experience in New York’s media world, both on the publishing and editorial side of the business. He started his career in 1986 as the editor-in-chief of a weekly newspaper, The West Side Spirit, which won a number of awards for investigative reporting during his tenure. He then became the publisher and vice president of a public media company, News Communications, which owned 23 publications in the metropolitan area and Washington, D.C. He was involved in the creation of the daily Capitol Hill newspaper, The Hill, which became the inspiration for City & State. He also spent a decade building a private media company, Manhattan Media, which owned AVENUE magazine, Dan’s Papers, New York Family, five weekly newspapers in Manhattan and City & State.

On October 15, 2021, Tom Allon participated in the Meet Alvin Bragg with Tom Allon

Alvin Bragg

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Alvin Bragg

Former Chief Deputy Attorney General

Alvin Bragg has spent the better two decades in the courtroom, standing up to the powerful and fighting to get justice. Recently, Alvin Bragg served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for New York State where he oversaw some of the office’s biggest cases, including suing Harvey Weinstein and his company for the existence of a hostile work environment; challenging the Trump administration over the census for its inclusion of a citizenship question; and bringing significant criminal charges in bribery, securities fraud, and Medicaid fraud matters.

Prior to the Attorney General’s Office, Alvin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. He successfully prosecuted corrupt politicians, both Democrat and Republican, and obtained trial verdicts convicting the owner of a multi-million dollar business for laundering millions of dollars for an international drug cartel, an FBI agent for making false statements, and individuals blocking a reproductive health facility in violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Alvin Bragg has spent the better part of two decades in the courtroom, standing up to the powerful and fighting to get justice. He is now running for Manhattan District Attorney.

On October 15, 2021, Alvin Bragg participated in the Meet Alvin Bragg with Tom Allon

Wendy Davis

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Wendy Davis

Former Texas State Senator

Wendy Davis was a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 10. She assumed office in 2009 and left in 2015 to run for Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Davis ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Texas’ 21st Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Prior to assuming her position in the Texas State Senate, Wendy served on the Fort Worth City Council. Wendy Davis received her B.A. from Texas Christian University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. In 2016, Wendy Davis founded Deeds Not Words, a nonprofit aimed at getting young women involved in policy making and organizing.

On September 30, 2021, Wendy Davis participated in Roe v Wade with Wendy Davis

Alexander Vindman

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Alexander Vindman

Former Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council

Vindman was 3 years old in 1979, when he and his family fled Ukraine, then a Soviet republic, for the U.S. His mother died in Ukraine before they immigrated to the U.S.

Vindman and his twin also made an appearance as boys in Ken Burns’ 1985 documentary “The Statue of Liberty,” which explored how the landmark has become a symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants.

From an early age, Vindman’s father worked multiple jobs to support his family, all the while learning English at night. Vindman’s father stressed the importance of fully integrating into their adopted country (U.S.). For many years, life for Vindman and his family was quite difficult. In spite of these challenges, his family worked hard to build its own American dream.

Vindman began his career taking part in the ROTC program while attending the State University of New York at Binghamton and later earned a master’s degree from Harvard University in Russian, Eastern Europe and Central Asian studies.

Earlier in his army career, he was an infantry officer and did tours in South Korea, Germany and Iraq. In October 2004, not long into his yearlong tour in Iraq, he was wounded by a roadside bomb and awarded the Purple Heart, according to the Defense Department.

Vindman was director of European Affairs at the National Security Council. He was appointed to his post at the Trump White House in 2018 and asked to stay for two years. His tasks consisted of developing, coordinating, and executing plans and policies to manage the full range of diplomatic, informational, military and economic national security for the countries in his portfolio, which included Ukraine and Russia.

Vindman had listened to the July 25, 2019 call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the center of the impeachment inquiry. Vindman was also present in an April 21 call when Trump congratulated Zelensky on his victory. He was also tasked to attend his inauguration in May.

On September 22, 2021, Alexander Vindman participated in Alexander Vindman: Here, Right Matters

Matt Zeller

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Matt Zeller

Author, CEO, and Afghan War Veteran

Matt Zeller is an author, Afghan war veteran, and CEO of No One Left Behind. He was deployed to Afghanistan in Ghazni Province in 2008, and upon his return to the US, he worked for the CIA. He was also the Democratic nominee for New York’s 29th district in the 2010 special election for the US House of Representatives.

In 2013 Zeller founded No One Left Behind, a nonprofit organization aiming to assist Afghan and Iraqi interpreters immigrating to the United States. This organization provides assistance to these immigrants in obtaining their Special Immigrant Visas while providing financial aid, employment opportunities, and used cars.

Matt Zeller is the author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan a story that gives a vivid description of what Zeller experienced while serving as an embedded combat adviser to the Afghan Security forces in Ghazni, Afghanistan, in 2008. Matt Zeller is also a contributor to HuffPost.

On August 25, 2021, Matt Zeller participated in Afghanistan with Ambassador Peter Galbraith and the Honorable Mike Rogers