The Future of American Democracy
How Politicians, Parties, and Policies Will Determine the Next 4 Years and Beyond
Episode 2: The Future of American Democracy – Michigan Voices
The future of American democracy certainly has more questions than answers. After all, our country’s political landscape has undergone significant changes in the past few months in all three branches of government. This episode begins to answer just how intense and impactful these changes may be. I sit down with Trevor Daley, President of LA-based PR firm Cerrell Associates and Democratic political expert, to discuss his post-election takeaways, expectations for the new administration, and advice to students looking to get democratically involved. After gauging opinions on what the future of the Republican Party might look like, I talk to a group of my peers at the University of Michigan about their political hopes, concerns, and convictions right now and moving forward. While the future still holds many unknowns and uncertainties, there are many ways in which our generation can start shaping the values and goals of our democracy today.
Episode High Points
- Trevor’s thoughts on what policy areas the Biden administration will prioritize: 1) A COVID-19 response that controls the virus and gives financial relief to Americans 2) Rebuilding America’s international relationships and involvements 3) Serious environmental reforms
- Though the Republican Party lost the White House, their victories in State Houses and Senates will give them the gerrymandering power to influence our elections for the next decade
- Anxious. Grim. Polarized. Apprehensive. This is how the younger generation described America’s democratic future and their feelings about it
Credits
Special thanks to Trevor Daley and my fellow University of Michigan students, who requested to remain anonymous, for speaking with me this episode. I’d also like to attribute a thank-you and credit to the following sources:
- CNN 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Fox News 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- NBC News 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- ABC News 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- SNL Weekend Update Election 2020, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Sky News 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- DD News 2020 Election Projection, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Jeremy Marsan, intro music, found here
- Rick Santorum Interview with the Napa Institute, found here
- Stuart Stevens Interview with Here & Now podcast, found here
- Lindsey Graham Interview with Guardian News, found here
- Silent Partner, outro music, found here
- Kate Maldjian from Noun Project, episode art
Producer
Nick Silk
Nick Silk is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Public Policy and Writing. He is interested in how business and government policies are communicated to the public, the role of data in politics, and the spread of misinformation. Nick grew up in Los Angeles and hopes to return to sunny California post-graduation to work in the field of public relations and public affairs. Outside of podcasting, you can find Nick doing the New York Times crosswords, rooting on Michigan sports teams, and cooking new pasta dishes.
