The If We Can Keep It podcast is a project of Keep Our Republic, a non-partisan civic action organization dedicated to protecting a republic of laws and strengthening the checks and balances of our democratic electoral system. We aim to discover, highlight and help to prevent an array of extraordinary threats to American democracy, strengthen democratic guardrails, and educate the public before it is too late.
Season 2 Episode 4: Battleground Wisconsin With The Guardian's Alice Herman
Keep Our Republic's podcast, If We Can Keep It, continues with Episode 4. Executive Director and host, Ari Mittleman, sat down with Alice Herman, a politics and democracy reporter for The Guardian. Alice discusses elections information, curing ballots and covering the ‘purplest state’ as a journalist who now works in her home state of Wisconsin.
Read Alice Herman's Wisconsin coverage, here. (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/alice-herman)
22 Feb 2024
Season 2 Episode 3: Washington Post’s Yvonne Wingett Sanchez On Arizona’s Election Preparations
In episode 3, Ari chats with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, a Washington Post democracy reporter who tracks voting issues in her home state of Arizona. Yvonne and Ari discuss key issues affecting voters and election officials as the Grand Canyon State prepares for what is already another tumultuous election season. What can other states learn from how a deeply divided Arizona has met these challenges? Find out in this engaging and thought-provoking episode of If We Can Keep It.
Read Yvonne's democracy reporting for the Washington Post, here. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/yvonne-wingett-sanchez/)
6 Feb 2024
Season 2 Episode 2: What Do Election Officials Really Need? An Investigative Report by Kate Huangpu
In this episode, Ari sits down with Government Reporter Kate Huangpu from Spotlight PA. We're diving deep into Kate's recent article investigating what four election officials across the state candidly said about the upcoming election. What do our local election officials really need to prepare for 2024? And is Harrisburg willing to do what it takes to give them what the need? Kate breaks down key takeaways from her report, plus her own insights into the state of elections in Pennsylvania in this informative and entertaining interview.
You can read Kate's full article, 'As 2024 election approaches, voting officials worry Pa. isn't prepared for misinformation," here. (https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/01/pennsylvania-election-2024-donald-trump-fraud-misinformation-precanvassing-code-update/)
24 Jan 2024
Season 2 Episode 1: From the Bullpen to Air Force One: The Value of a Free Press with Margaret Talev
In Season 2, Keep Our Republic's If We Can Keep It podcast is sitting down with exceptional journalists from around the country. Join host Ari Mittleman as we hear from the nation's top political correspondents about the state of news in America, and how it affects our elections, voter trust, political violence, and more ripped-from-the-headlines topics at the center of Keep Our Republic's mission. In this first episode, Ari sits down with Margaret Talev, director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship at Syracuse University. Margaret shares entertaining and engaging insights from her 30 years in political journalism, from the local newsroom in Tampa, to covering the Obama and Trump administrations, and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign as a White House correspondent. We dive deep on why a free press is so critical to the health of the Republic, and how to reverse the trend of tribalization dominating our political discourse.
Learn more about the Institute for Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship at Syracuse University, here. (https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/centers/institute-for-democracy-journalism-and-citizenship/)
21 Dec 2023
Episode 7: Strengthening Democracy in the Motor City: Ken Cockrel's Call to Action
In this compelling episode of Keep Our Republic's If We Can Keep It podcast, join host Ari Mittleman in a riveting conversation with Detroit's seasoned public servant, Kenneth Cockrel, Jr. As the former President of the Detroit City Council, Ken shares his invaluable insights into the political landscape of the Motor City, reflecting on its transformative journey and the challenges faced in recent elections. With a keen eye on strengthening democracy, Cockrel issues a powerful call to action for residents of Detroit and Michiganders alike. From voter confidence councils to lessons learned from past elections, discover the vital steps needed to fortify democracy in Detroit and beyond in this engaging episode.
15 Dec 2023
Episode 6: Challenges and Triumphs: Kathy Bernier's Mission to Educate and Unite
In this compelling episode of "If We Can Keep It," join host Ari Mittleman as he delves into the political journey of Kathy Bernier, an influential figure in Wisconsin's electoral landscape. From her start as a county clerk witnessing electoral disarray to triumphs in the state assembly and senate, Kathy shares the challenges and motivations that led her to the forefront of the Republican party. Explore her unexpected legislative battles, including championing the rights of the Amish community, and hear firsthand accounts of navigating the intricacies of Wisconsin's diverse districts. The episode unfolds with a candid discussion on the dramatic events of 2020, highlighting Kathy's unwavering commitment to election integrity despite facing internal party opposition. Discover how Kathy Bernier, through her collaboration with Keep Our Republic, strives to educate and unite Americans on the importance of understanding and respecting the electoral process, emphasizing the need for unity in these politically charged times.
30 Nov 2023
Episode 5: In the Courtroom and Beyond: U.S. Attorneys Making a Difference
Step into the legal arena with host Ari Mittleman on the latest episode of If We Can Keep It, where he sits down with esteemed guests John Vaudreuil and David Hickton in a riveting conversation titled "In the Courtroom and Beyond: U.S. Attorneys Making a Difference." In this episode, we explore the compelling journey that led John and David into the legal profession, particularly focusing on their impactful roles as U.S. attorneys. From the challenges of a bustling family life to the profound impact U.S. attorneys have on communities, we delve into a comprehensive and sincere exploration of the individuals shaping justice in and out of the courtroom. Don't miss this engaging episode that highlights the meaningful contributions of U.S. attorneys and provides valuable insights into the complexities of the legal landscape, perfect for aspiring lawyers and curious minds alike.
7 Nov 2023
Episode 4: Lessons from the Bench: Insights from Judge Cindrich
In this episode, join the If We Can Keep It podcast as we delve into the remarkable life and insights of Judge Bob Cindrich, a distinguished figure whose journey from a coal mining town to the courtroom illuminates the values of public service and unwavering dedication to justice. Judge Cindrich shares his experiences, from serving as a public defender to his tenure on the bench, providing a firsthand account of the evolution of the judiciary's role in American politics. With a focus on maintaining impartiality and upholding constitutional principles, Judge Cindrich offers invaluable perspectives on the challenges facing democracy, the impact of community shifts in Western Pennsylvania, and the critical importance of preserving the integrity of the legal system in a rapidly changing society. Join us as we explore Judge Cindrich's journey and the enduring legacy of his commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of a just and fair society.
26 Oct 2023
Episode 3: Diplomacy Unveiled: An Ambassador's Journey
Join us in this illuminating episode as we sit down with Ambassador Deborah McCarthy, a distinguished diplomat with a career spanning across continents. With a background that includes pivotal roles both behind the scenes with organizations like Keep Our Republic and representing the United States in numerous countries, Ambassador McCarthy brings a unique perspective to the world of diplomacy.
In this candid conversation, we delve into the remarkable trajectory of Ambassador McCarthy's career, exploring her experiences in Latin America and Europe. Discover what drew her to a career in diplomacy and the enduring impact she's had on international relations.
Through engaging anecdotes and thoughtful insights, Ambassador McCarthy shares the challenges and triumphs of her journey, from the corridors of power to the classrooms of academia. We explore her dedication to the ideal that embassies represent all Americans, regardless of party, and her continued commitment to public service.
If you're intrigued by the inner workings of diplomacy, the stories of those who serve our nation, or the behind-the-scenes efforts of organizations like "Keep Our Republic," this episode is a must-listen. Join us for a captivating conversation with Ambassador Deborah McCarthy as we uncover the layers of her extraordinary career in service to the United States and the world.
4 Oct 2023
Democracy 101; The Power of Civic Education
We are excited to release “Democracy 101; The Power of Civic Education” the second episode from the If We Can Keep It podcast series hosted by KOR Executive Director Ari Mittleman featuring former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. Mittleman shared, "Governor Corbett's participation in the KOR podcast offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our democracy. His unwavering commitment to public service and his insights into the complexities of election administration based on his experience in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are truly invaluable as we prepare for the 2024 election cycle.”
Planning for Emergencies
A focal point of episode two is Governor Corbett's insights on the fragility of democracy, especially in the aftermath of elections. He reflects on the challenges the election administration presents to state and local leaders. Drawing from his experience, Corbett underscores the paramount importance of Americans having trust in the electoral system. Governor Corbett shares his experience during his tenure with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency during crises like Superstorm Sandy, highlighting the delicate balance of emergency powers for state leaders.
Public Education is Key
Governor Corbett also emphasizes the critical role of public education in rebuilding trust in the American electoral process. Corbett shared, “We need to educate the people and try to rebuild the trust of the people in the election system. It has been continually eroding to a certain extent. Technology helps the recording of the votes, but.. technology is also helping to erase or degrade the trust that people had in the system 10, 15, 20 years ago."
19 Sept 2023
Never Questioned, Now Crucial: The Integrity Of Our Elections
The inaugural episode of If We Can Keep It features a candid conversation with former Congressman and House Majority Leader Richard “Dick” Gephardt. He reveals that before the 2020 election he never was worried about the state of American democracy, “I ran for Congress 14 times, and it never crossed my mind in all those elections that the election would not be fair and honest.” This underscores the urgency for every American to understand the electoral process, because that’s the best defense in stopping harmful lies and misinformation from spreading. KOR is on a mission to enhance voter trust by providing accurate information in communities about the integrity and reliability of our voting system.
Gephardt emphasizes the resilience of American democracy, particularly during the 2020 election: "Why was it ultimately successful? Because key electoral officials, all Republicans, stood against enormous pressure to not call this thing honestly. They put country over party and country over self when the chips were down." This bipartisan spirit is at the core of KOR's mission. Comprised of former elected officials from both sides of the aisle, KOR champions the idea that protecting American democracy must come before any partisan views. By fostering compromise and focusing on shared values, KOR is committed to rebuilding trust among voters and ensuring the integrity of the 2024 election cycle.
18 Sept 2023
Trailer: Keep Our Republic Debuts If We Can Keep It — A NEW Podcast Series Spotlighting The Challenges & Resilience Of American Democracy
If We Can Keep It isn't just a forum for intellectual discussions — it's a catalyst for real solutions. Keep Our Republic is convening experts across the political spectrum with a diverse range of experience —from former elected officials to legal scholars and retired judges. What unites our guests is their dedication to educating Americans on our electoral processes and their active involvement to fortify our democracy.
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