Former Senators: Compromise and Local Involvement Essential to Improving Politics

Former Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) offered their perspectives on the current political and policy environment on Capitol Hill, how policymaking has changed since they each entered office, and their future expectations.

Digital revolution changed politics: Sens. Sasse and McCaskill both emphasized how the advent of digital media, and particularly social media, has expanded political discourse but inhibited compromise-driven policymaking in a discussion led by HR Policy CEO Tim Bartl. 

• Both speakers highlighted the growing extremism within each party and how social media is constantly elevating the most extreme or controversial viewpoints at the expense of the majority of individuals in both parties that tend to have more moderate views. 
  
  
• “It is amazing how disconnected political discussions are from what people actually care about,” said Sen. Sasse.
  
  
• “There is no longer any reward for compromising,” said Sen. McCaskill, and “the people who make the most noise have no interest in compromise.” 

Less local, more vocal: Both Senators emphasized that more political campaigns are increasingly fueled by money outside of the office’s district or state and national interests, rather than focused on the people the office represents. Sens. McCaskill and Sasse noted that they focused on doing as many town hall meetings in their respective states as possible, while their opposition leaned on media attacks and outside funds. 

Other highlights included: 

• Sen. Sasse emphasized the importance of returning to a true separation of powers as contemplated by the Constitution, rather than an overly powerful executive branch, inertia in the legislative branch, and policymaking from the judicial branch. 
  
  
• Both Senators emphasized the need for campaign finance reform, including full transparency of where donations are coming from. 
  
  
• The speakers emphasized expanding voter participation and marginalizing extreme views.