Modernizing Our Democracy: The Political and Policy Implications of the Digital Age - led by Matt Lira

Guest Speaker: David Almacy

Senior Vice President, Edelman

Former, White House Internet Director (President George W. Bush, 2005-2008)

Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Education (2002-2005)

From Lincoln’s use of Matthew Brady’s photography to FDR’s fireside chats, our nation’s presidents have often been at the forefront in communicating with the public.  The White House experience with digital platforms has been no different: already, digital platforms like Twitter and “Between Two Ferns” have fundamentally altered how the president communicates with the public. Yet, as experiments such as “We the People” petition program demonstrate, significant potential exists for more substantive engagement with the public.

·         Does the “bully pulpit” still exist in the modern media environment?

·         Have we had our fireside chat moment yet for the Internet?

·         What lessons did you learn about public engagement?

·         When faced with a crisis, how did you leverage digital media to lead a nation?

·         What should the next administration do to expand upon existing efforts?

·         What pitfalls should they avoid?

·         How can (or should) the White House move beyond one-way communication toward genuine citizen engagement?

 

Room: FDR, HKS