Moderate Party

In this episode, Hillari Lombard sits down with Adam Brandon of the Independent Center to explore how independent voters reshaped the 2024 election — and what it means for the future of American politics.They dive into why traditional party strategies are losing ground, how grassroots movements and digital media are fueling real change, and what a future beyond partisan gridlock could look like.Adam Brandon is a longtime grassroots leader and a Senior Advisor at the Independent Center, an organization committed to empowering independent voters with common-sense solutions.If you believe there's a better way forward, this conversation is for you.Episode Links:America's Independent Center for Independent Voters

Donald Trump's America First policy has reignited a debate that has shaped U.S. history for centuries: Should America lead on the world stage, or should it pull back and focus on problems at home? In this episode, Hillari Lombard sits down with Charles Kupchan—senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, professor at Georgetown, and author of Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself from the World—to unpack the past, present, and future of American isolationism.This episode is a good-faith attempt to understand what America First really means—not just as a campaign slogan, but as a governing philosophy. Whether you support it, fear it, or are just trying to make sense of it, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Resources that informed this episode:Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself From the World | Council on Foreign RelationsSupporting Ukraine Is in Trump's Interest by Michael Froman & Charles A. Kupchan - Project SyndicateTrump Is Right That Pax Americana Is Over - The AtlanticThe Past and Future of American Isolationism | Council on Foreign Relations---Charles A. Kupchan is Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University, and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2014 to 2017, Kupchan served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council in the Obama White House. He was also Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council during the first Clinton administration. His most recent books are Anchoring the World: International Order in the Twenty-First Century (2021), Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself from the World (2020), No One's World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn (2012), and How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace (2010). His forthcoming book is Bringing Order to Anarchy: Governing the World To Come.

In this episode of Moderate Party, host Hillari Lombard dives deep into the increasing power of the U.S. presidency and how it has changed over time. Triggered by the importance of President's Day and growing concerns about executive power, Hillari takes listeners on a journey from the ineffective Articles of Confederation to the immense authority wielded by modern presidents. The episode critically examines the policies and actions of Presidents George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, and discusses how each administration expanded executive powers. Hillari warns about the dangers of unchecked presidential power and explores how congress has succeeded in creating an American King.

Moderate Party returns after a hiatus and Hillari Lombard hits the mic to talk about where she's been and where we're going.

In this episode of Moderate Minis, Hillari Lombard explores Vice President Kamala Harris's sweeping economic policies aimed at tackling affordability and creating new opportunities. Harris targets the high cost of living and corporate greed with proposals to invest in small businesses, enforce price gouging laws, and expand tax credits. Her ambitious agenda includes raising the child tax credit, introducing a $6,000 newborn tax credit, and making the Earned Income Tax Credit more accessible. These measures, while promising to reduce financial stress and child poverty, spark debates over their $1.4 trillion price tag and potential increase in government dependency. Harris's strategy also involves fostering 25 million new small businesses through government contracts and low-interest loans, funded by tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations. Critics worry about the impact on investment and national debt, but supporters argue it's a fair approach to tackling income inequality and providing better social outcomes. The feasibility of passing these through Congress remains a big question mark, coloring Harris's policies as both ambitious and contentious.

On this episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard tackles the major economic policies presented by former President Donald Trump, analyzing the impact of his tax cuts and tariffs. The discussion dives deep into the implications of Trump's America First agenda, focusing on corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and proposed tariffs, as well as their potential short-term benefits and long-term consequences. With references to expert analyses, the episode addresses who truly benefits from these policies and what they mean for the average American consumer. The first in the 'Moderate Minis' series, the episode aims to provide a clear, nuanced view of Trump's economic vision. Stay tuned for a detailed comparison with Vice President Kamala Harris's economic plan in our upcoming episode.Chapters:00:00 Debate Highlights: Trump vs. Harris01:13 Introducing Moderate Minis01:35 The Economy: A Voter's Priority03:41 Trump's Economic Promises06:34 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act10:16 Impact of Corporate Tax Cuts17:13 Trump's Tariff Plans26:50 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewLinks used to inform this episode:The 2024 Trump Campaign Policy Proposals: Budgetary, Economic and Distributional Effects — Penn Wharton Budget ModelTax Policy and Investment in a Global Economy*The Efficiency-Equity Tradeoff of the Corporate Income Tax: Evidence from the Tax Cuts and Jobs ActMODELING THE DISTRIBUTION OF TAXES ON BUSINESS INCOME | Joint Committee on Taxation

In our annual 4th of July episode Hillari takes to the mic to work out why Independence Day feels different this year. She reflects on patriotism under strain, American exceptionalism, and the fundamental beliefs that form the American Identity. She comments on a recent controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting former presidents immunity for certain official acts, the shifting balance of powers, and the broader implications for American democracy. Additionally, she addresses concerns about President Biden's mental fitness and the anxiety many feel about the country's future. Finally, Lombard delves into what it truly means to love your country—reflecting on how America's promise of individual value and rights has shaped her life, and emphasizing that real patriotism involves active participation and defense of democratic principles. Shop Moderate Party MerchEmail the Show

In this bonus episode of Moderate Party, Hillari reacts to the recent debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump. //Moderate Party returns from summer hiatus this July! Get caught up on episodes you may have missed before we return to your airwaves mid summer.If you haven't already purchased your ModPod Merch, head over to Moderatepartypodcast.com and check out the store while supplies last.

Arizona has undeniably stepped into the national political spotlight in recent years, from contentious debates over abortion bans to its pivotal role in both the 2020 election and the upcoming 2024 battle. In today's episode, Hillari sits down with Representative Laura Terech to gain insight into the Arizona political landscape and delve into her remarkable journey from kindergarten teacher to influential political figure in the state. They also discuss why, after a very successful term in the Arizona Legislature, she's made the difficult decision not to seek re-election.Recorded live at the New Deal Leaders Idea Summit, this episode explores the challenges and triumphs of navigating Arizona's divided political landscape as a moderate voice in an increasingly divided country. From personal struggles to professional victories, Terech's story of transformation and empowerment is full of insights and inspiration for Moderates everywhere. Links Mentioned in this Episode:Sources that helped inform this episode:NewDEAL LeadersArizona For Abortion AccessCivic Engagement Beyond Voting - Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, an Indivisible group, is a grassroots nonpartisan organization that works to empower Arizona's citizens to exercise their voices at the local level. Guest: Rep. Laura TerechRepresentative Laura Terech (Legislative District 4 - Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix) is a proud product of Arizona public schools, including both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. After earning her master's degree in education, she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade in a Title I school district. She is the ranking Democrat on the House Municipal Oversight & Election committee and also sits on House Education. Representative Terech also had the honor of serving as the House member on Governor Hobbs' Bipartisan Elections Task Force. Rep Terech has been instrumental in securing a water supply for communities in Arizona such as the Rio Verde Foothills and negotiating a fix for the election recount law.Outside of the Legislature, Terech serves as the Training Director for the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Civic Engagement Beyond Voting.Connect with Rep. Terech: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | Website

Hillari talks with Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of the NewDeal Leaders, about the current state of the democratic party heading into 2024.Check out Debbie's podcast

On this week's episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard is joined by Heath Mayo, the innovative leader behind Principles First, a grassroots initiative reshaping the conservative landscape.In this thought-provoking discussion, Heath and Hillari delve into the complex terrain of conservatism, dissecting the role of principles in today's polarized political sphere. From navigating the legacy of Donald Trump to charting a course for a more principled Republican Party, Heath shares his vision for a conservatism rooted in timeless values and integrity.But the conversation doesn't stop there. We explore the pressing need for transformative change within our political systems, discussing how a principles-first approach can pave the way for meaningful reform. And don't miss our deep dive into the upcoming Principles First Summit, where visionaries gather to ignite a new era of principled politics.Join us as we navigate the murky waters of modern conservatism, guided by the wisdom and courage of voices like Heath Mayo. Here are some things we mentioned in this episode:Follow Principles First on X/TwitterThe 2024 Summit: Conserving America's Liberal Tradition Principles First Website

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the deep-seated issues plaguing our food system, exposing the cracks in regulatory oversight and policy implementation. From the FDA's staggering incompetence and sluggish response times to the far-reaching consequences of poor food policies, we delve into the heart of the matter. Join us as we unpack the investigative reporting of Helena Bottemiller Evich, shining a spotlight on the intricate web of failures that compromise food safety and public health. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that'll leave you questioning the very foundation of our food regulatory framework.Checkout Helena's Newsletter FoodFixSeven Former FDA Commissioners: The FDA Should Be An Independent Federal AgencyWhy President Obama and Congress turned their backs on food safety - POLITICOOPERATIONAL EVALUATION OF THE FDA HUMAN FOODS PROGRAMHow the FDA's food division fails to regulate health and safety hazardsFor the nation's health, break up the Food and Drug Administration - Washington Post Editorial Board

Join host Hillari Lombard as we continue our exploration of the Israel-Palestine conflict on "Moderate Party." In our latest episode, we delve deep into the complexities of the peace process and the individuals that shaped it. This episode is not just an analysis of history but a reflection on the choices made by those in power and the far-reaching impacts on the region today. It's a long ride, so buckle up, put your headphones in, and embark on this thought-provoking journey with us.Sources that helped inform this episode:Israel and the Palestinians: From the Two-State Solution to Five Failed “States”Netanyahu's right-wing Israeli government is beyond extreme - VoxGrowing Israeli settler violence and army raids in the West Bank raise tensions : NPRArafat's Billions - CBS NewsIs Yasser Arafat a Credible Partner for Peace? | BrookingsArafat and the Second Intifada | Council on Foreign RelationsArafat didn't negotiate - he just kept saying no | Benny Morris | The GuardianLost in the Woods: A Camp David RetrospectiveHow the peace process killed the two-state solution | BrookingsA Threshold Crossed - Human Rights Watch

On this week's episode of the Moderate Party Podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Join us for a nuanced exploration of nationalism, the UN partition map, the Nakba, and the transformative War of 1967.Embark on a journey through the early 20th century, where the clash of identities and geopolitical forces laid the groundwork for the ongoing struggle. We'll dissect the intricacies of the UN partition map and its lasting implications on the region's dynamics.Resources that helped create this episode:Al Nakba: the history of Palestine since 1799 - Palestine RemixFact Sheet: Jewish Refugees from Arab CountriesUN Partition Plan MapMcMahon-Husain correspondence – Report of Arab-UK committeeMap from the Sykes-Picout Agreement - Referred to in the episode as Britain and France's vision board for the middle east.

In today’s episode of Moderate Party, Hillari reflects on Hamas’s attack on Israel and the implications around the world. We’ll explore the nature of Hamas as an organization, the role of Iran, and what comes next. Full Show Notes and Links

How does the Party of Lincoln become the Party of Trump? In Part Two of our series examining the history of American Political Parties, Hillari takes a look at the Republican Party. Today's episode examines the height of Republican power, the era of the moderate Republicans, and the rise of American Conservatism within the party. This episode is an honest and fair look at the ideological origins of the modern GOP. Show Notes: How hot was Warren Harding? Send us an email!

Drug shortages reached a five-year peak at the end of 2022, impacting almost 300 pharmaceutical products including basic treatments such as IV saline and antibiotics. That’s a 30% increase between 2021 and 2022. Hospitals are running out of the drugs necessary to do surgery, treat cancer, and stop blood hemorrhages. Things are getting worse. Drug […]

In the first episode of the new year, and our new season, Hillari sits down with Rob Sand. In addition to being a moderate, and serving as the Iowa State Auditor, Rob is one of the few elected officials working to combat polarization in a big way. He’s a bridge builder, a problem solver and […]

When it comes to government and politics — it is easy to be cynical. The phrase “politicians are corrupt” gets tossed around so casually that it’s become cliche. The American people’s cynicism toward it’s government shows up in polls all the time. According to a Pew Research poll, 6/10 Americans aren’t happy with how democracy […]

Hillari Lombard is joined by Debbie Cox Bultan to discuss the success of moderate candidates in the midterm elections. They chat about why issues like faith and patriotism belong to one party over the other, the role abortion played in the election results, Biden, and lessons both parties should be learning. Episode links: Learn more […]

A Tale of Two Parties is a mini-series from Moderate Party that examines the history behind our political parties and the psychology behind our ideology. In the first episode, Origin Story, Hillari Lombard dives into the origins of our two major political parties and what they represented in the beginning. She dives into the era of the radical republicans, racist democrats, and drags William McKinley and John Quincy Adams along the way. Checkout the show notes

In a special homecoming episode, Hillari sits down with John Ralston to talk all things Nevada. In this wide-ranging conversation, they discuss a potential red wave, democratic popularity, the effect of Dobbs, and the Nevada Midterms.

Hillari chats with Debbie Cox Bultan about the future of the democratic party, the difference between moderate and progressive democrats, and Debbie makes the case for why we should be excited about the future. Check out Debbie’s Podcast – An Honorable Profession Learn more about the NewDEAL Leaders Email the show

Why does it feel like every city in America is in a housing crisis? How did rent get so high? Is homeownership an unrealistic life goal? There is no way around it — America is in a housing crisis. This week, Hillari Lombard sits down with Arica Young, the Associate Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Terwilliger Center for Housing, to find out how we got here and most importantly how we get out. Shownotes & transcripts are available online at moderatepartypodcast.com Submit a question for No Stupid Questions

In this week’s uniquely ranty episode, Hillari Lombard talks about the fallout from our Dobbs episode, dives into this positive, and productive, moment in American Politics, and rounds out the episode with an exploration of questions surrounding her identity as a moderate. Along the way is a conversation about political ideology and moderate political beliefs. […]

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s recent controversial rulings, a lot of attention has been placed on State Legislatures all across the country. Congress is too divided to pass laws that meet the moment and the Supreme Court is exercising raw judicial power the role of the statehouse is becoming more consequential than ever. Justice Alito said topics like abortion should be sent back to the states; but when the statehouses are incubating extremism – who are we sending it back to? Hillari Lombard sits down with David Pepper, the author of Laboratories for Autocracy, to discuss the corruption and extremism plaguing state legislatures all across the country. They discuss the risk state legislatures pose to democracy and most importantly what we can all do to stop it. Buy David’s Book – Laboratories of Autocracy Follow David on Twitter

Moderate Party Podcast is coming back one week earlier than expected for a bonus episode about the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v Wade and end a half century of abortion rights in america.

Hillari Lombard sits down with Arjun Moorthy, CEO of the Factual, for a conversation about the Media and our weird relationship with it. Along the way, they discuss personal identity vs political action, trust, bias, and more! If you have thoughts about this episode or ideas for an upcoming episode, let us know by emailing […]

In the first inaugural Friday with Friends episode, Hillari sits down with Julie Lombard, to discuss the Principles First Summit they attended last month. Along the way they discuss the history and future of the republican party, legacy, and what it takes to forgive. My inbox is always open! Share your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback at talk@moderatepartypodcast.com

Russian invaded Ukraine a month ago. Since then, Putin has waged a merciless war of aggression against their sovereign neighbor. A lot of media coverage is focused around current events — the war unfolding before our eyes. But this week, Hillari Lombard speaks with Michael Kimmage about what comes next, how this war ends, and […]

I want to talk with you guys about my thoughts on Ukraine. This won’t be the last time we talk about it. But I had to get some things off my chest. 69mnXSZCFejdLw44Mr5M

What is going on with President Biden’s poll numbers? He entered office with higher approval than Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, or George W. Bush…but a lot can change in a year. President Biden is now the second least popular in history – and that’s after handing the majority of American’s a check for $1400. What […]

Jillian Youngblood, Executive Director of Civic Genius, joins Hillari to discuss a series of focus groups that brought Americans together to discuss Infrastructure — what it means, what they want, how much to spend, how to pay, and everything in between. Along the way, Hillari and Jillian talk about how people actually think about policy, […]

Hillari Lombard breaks down the situation in Afghanistan. What happened, how we got here, what it means for the US, Afghanistan, and the world. She also responds to listener questions and answers the questions you want to know, but might be afraid to ask! Episode Links are available below

Hillari Lombard returns from hiatus to talk about the new bipartisan infrastructure bill. What’s in it, what it means, and what could keep it from passing.

Hillari Lombard talks about Patriotism and American Exceptionalism in a rant that includes Demi Lovato, Gandhi, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Rank Choice Voting has been a long-time favorite of policy nerds and democracy activists but hasn’t been implemented on a large scale. But that’s all about to change. Millions of voters in New York City used a rank choice ballot to vote for their next mayor. The results? The more moderate candidate won the Democratic […]

Political Polarization is tearing America apart. Division and Extremism are on the rise. We know this. We talk about it pretty often. But, this weekend, we have an opportunity to do something about it. Hillari sits down with Pearce Goodwin, the CEO & Founder of #ListenFirst, to talk about Polarization, Common Ground, and America Talks. America Talks is a powerful conversation event that invites Americans to connect one-on-one, face-to-face on video across our political divides. By doing so, we remind ourselves that the “other” is – just like us – a person with family, friends, hopes, fears, values, beliefs, and intrinsic worth. Register for America Talks Today!

How much does a politician cost and what does it take to raise that kind of money? Are our expectations fair? What are the consequences of letting money influence politics? Hillari Lombard sits down with Campaign Finance expert Ciara Torres-Spelliscy to take a deep dive into money in politics, campaign finance reform, the For the People Act, public campaign financing, and the filibuster!

BONUS EPISODE: Hillari checks in with Modpod listeners on Memorial Day, talks about the origins of memorial day, and examines what this Memorial Day means to her.

What does it mean to love your country more? More than your party, more than your politics, more than one man. These are the questions Hillari Lombard explores on this week’s episode of Moderate Party. Along the way, she recaps the removal of Liz Cheney from Republican Leadership and the implications this could have on the party moving forward, finds someone more spineless than Mitch McConnell, and discusses the role Moderates must play in the fight for the Republican Party.

In this episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard reflects on Joe Biden’s first join address to congress, the success of the Biden Administration so far, and what this says about the future of America. Along the way, she answers listener questions, references Justin Bieber, and gives a brief shoutout to one of America’s greatest treasures – John Cena. It’s a wild one, guys. We love to hear from you – send your thoughts on this episode to talk@moderatepartypodcast.com! // Subscribe to our email list and we'll send you free ModPod Swag //

On March 16th, 8 people were shot and killed in Atlanta. Since then, there have been 49 other mass shootings. Combine that with the number of people we lose every year to suicide and when thing becomes painfully clear — we need to talk about guns. On this weeks episode, Hillari sits down with Dr. Cass Crifasi from the John Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Policy to discuss why we need to include gun owners in the gun policy conversation, what actually helps reduce gun violence, and what reforms we should be pursuing. We love to hear from you – send your thoughts on this episode to talk@moderatepartypodcast.com! // Subscribe to our email list and we'll send you free ModPod Swag //

On this week’s episode of Moderate Party, Hillari sits down with Ross Benes to talk about Rural America: why they responded to Trump, their perception of Government, which party is serving them well, and how both parties can serve Rural America better. Along the way, they discuss the magic of Nebraska’s independent spirit and Hillari shouts about how many President’s it’s going to take to get Rural America some freakin’ broadband internet! // Subscribe to our email list and we'll send you free ModPod Swag //

Do you have the right to vote? Who decides? Why is it easier for some people to vote than others? And why is it so much harder to vote in America than other countries? In today’s episode, Hillari Lombard digs into voting rights in America. She looks at the historical case for voting rights, barriers we put in place to keep people from voting, and what we can do about it. This episode is part one of a three part series titled “For the People”. This series examines the issues and ideas surround the For the People Act. // Subscribe to our email list and we'll send you free ModPod Swag //

Welcome Back! In the first episode after a brief hiatus Hillari Lombard talks through updates on Moderate Party, answers listener questions on Joe Manchin, Jeep Cherokee, and talking to your parents about politics. After that, she breaks down the news in a segment titled: WTF is going on – a conversation about the news. Stories covered in this episode include: The Crisis at the Border, Biden vs. Putin, Mitch McConnell, and the Violence Against Women Act. //Want to hear your question answered on the air? Send it in!// Did your representative vote against the violence against women act? Check out the list in the episode links.

In this week’s episode, Hillari Lombard breaks down the impeachment trial and the partisan maneuvering the resulted in Trump’s acquittal. Hillari talks through the Democrat’s fumble on witnesses, the GOP’s refusal to take the impeachment process seriously, the arguments for and against Trump’s impeachment, and what this means for the state of the US Senate. // Subscribe to our email list and we’ll send you free ModPod Swag // Transcript & Sources Email the show at talk@moderatepartypodcast.com

Our democracy isn’t going to save itself — if we want things to get better we have to roll up our sleeves and make them better. On this week’s episode of ModPod, Hillari sits down with Carolyn Lukensmeyer to talk through the ambitious plan to save our democracy and what each one of us has to do to make it happen. This conversation centers around a report published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission of the Practice of Democratic Citizenship. The report, titled “Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century”, outlines six strategies for democratic reform and repair. This episode covers a wide array of topics including Voter Reform, Expanding the House of Representatives, the January 6th Attack, Unity, and The Story of America.

In this week’s episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard reflects on the riots at the US Capitol, what it means for democracy in the United States, and what role moderate must play in what happens next. Political moderates and centrists are the natural enemies of extremists. As such, they have a duty to step up and defend our democracy from the poison of polarization and extremism. The time for Moderates is now. We must fight, not with force, but with work, for American democracy. Thoughts on today's episode? Email us at talk@moderatepartypodcast.com and tell us what you think! // Subscribe to our email list and get free stickers from ModPod // // Check out the episode notes for sources, links, and more! //

Can rethinking conservatism help us combat loneliness and reclaim the American Project? What impact does loneliness have on our Nation? What impact does it have on us? On today’s episode of Moderate Party, Hillari Lombard sits down with Pete Peterson, Dean of the Graduate School for Public Policy at Pepperdine University, to talk about the effect loneliness has on politics, viewpoint diversity, the importance of shared purpose in society, and The American Project. The American Project is a project centered around the idea of rethinking conservatism through a communitarian lens. Pete has a lot of great ideas on solving challenges at a local level and he paints a picture of the future of conservatism that most people can get behind. If you have thoughts on this episode, email us at talk@moderatepartypodcast.com and tell us what you think! // Sign up for email updates and get free stickers from Modpod // Learn more about Pete and the American Project: The American Project at SPP www.americanproject.org https://www.facebook.com/PepAmericanProject/ https://twitter.com/AmericanProj

When COVID started spreading last spring, conversations about the role of government were generally centered around one question — should we prioritize the economy or public health? Yet, here we are in December, and it seems we’ve lost control of both. On today’s episode of Modpod, we’re going to figure out how this happened and where we go from here. If you have thoughts on this episode, email us at talk@moderatepartypodcast.com and tell us what you think! // Sign up for email updates and get free stickers from Modpod // Resource Links: We’ve worked hard to achieve a covid-19 compromise package. We can’t afford inaction – Op-Ed written by Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Susan Collins, Washington Post Expiring Eviction Moratoriums and COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Inadequate COVID-19 Response Likely Resulted in 130,000 – 210,000 Avoidable Deaths (Summary) – State of the Planet, Columbia University 130,000 – 210,000 Avoidable COVID-19 Deaths and Counting in the US (Full Report) – National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University