Podcasts about altmire

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Best podcasts about altmire

Latest podcast episodes about altmire

Career Education Report
Strategies for Scaling Apprenticeships Across America

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 23:12


Join host Jason Altmire as he delves into the transformative potential of apprenticeships in bridging the skills gap and reshaping the workforce landscape. In this episode, Altmire speaks with Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of "Apprentice Nation." Craig, a leading expert on apprenticeships, highlights the need for alternative pathways to economic opportunity.Craig delves into why the United States lags behind other countries in apprenticeship adoption and outlines a roadmap for scaling apprenticeships across diverse sectors. He emphasizes the importance of intermediaries in facilitating apprenticeship programs and the necessity of government support to incentivize employer participation. Moreover, Craig discusses Achieve Partners' innovative approach to workforce development through its Workforce Fund.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Closing Equity Gaps and Unlocking Student Success

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 25:16


Student success is the most essential part of higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Dr. Timothy Renick, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University, to discuss how higher education institutions can implement strategies to get students back on track and improve graduation rates.Georgia State University successfully tackled low graduation rates and equity gaps by pioneering the application of predictive analytics. By tracking 800 unique risk factors daily, they achieved remarkable results, raising graduation rates to 70%, with particularly significant improvements for black, low-income, and Hispanic students. Dr. Altmire and Dr. Renick also discuss what steps institutions lacking resources can take to support students.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
The Impact of Governor DeSantis' Education Policies

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 20:58


In this episode, Dr. Altmire talks with Bianca Quilantan of Politico about Governor DeSantis' education philosophies, exploring his focus on both K-12 and higher education. They delve into the influence of his policies on faculty and administrators in higher education and the potential ripple effects of Florida's conservative education policies.Bianca Quilantan is an education reporter at Politico. Dr. Altmire and Bianca also discuss the intersection of higher education and politics, touching on topics such as short-term Pell Grants for career-oriented programs. Bianca believes that data will likely be a crucial sticking point regarding short-term Pell.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
The Evolution and Future of Distance Education

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 20:37


In the past two decades, we have witnessed how technology has drastically shifted distance education in higher education. Dr. Jason Altmire explores this evolution with Dr. Leah Matthews, the Executive Director of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Together, they discuss the evolution, challenges, and promising future of distance education in higher learning.Dr. Altmire and Dr. Matthews explore the upcoming rulemaking on state authorization and the significance of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Dr. Matthews shares her vast expertise and insights, on the future prospects of distance education, particularly with the emergence of AI and other education technologies.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Defend your Data: Cyber Threats in Higher Education

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 24:07


Cyber threats loom over every aspect of our lives, but higher education is especially vulnerable. Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Ted Reynolds about the rise of ransomware attacks in universities and businesses and how school administrators, faculty, and students can reduce the risk of cybersecurity attacks. Dr. Ted Reynolds is the Director of the Terrorism Studies Program in the Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Altmire and Dr. Reynolds discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in higher education, the impact of cyber threats on sensitive data, and strategies to ensure that third-party vendors practice good cyber hygiene. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Borrower Defense to Repayment: Major Changes Coming

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 29:15


On July 1, 2023, the new borrower defense to repayment rule goes into effect. Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Jonathan Helwink, a former senior official at the U.S. Department of Education, about some of the more alarming aspects of the new borrower defense to repayment rule that will impact all higher education institutions.Dr. Altmire and Jonathan discuss the evolution of borrower defense to repayment and the differences in approach between administrations, concerns about the backlog of claims, the involvement of third-party entities in filing claims on behalf of students, and the implications for nonprofit institutions. Jonathan is an attorney at the Duane Morris Law Firm specializing in higher education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Student Loan Policies: Equity and Economic Implications

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 24:27


In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Marc Goldwein, the Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, about the impact of student debt cancellation, the repayment pause, and the proposed income-driven repayment plan on students and the economy.Dr. Altmire and Marc delve into the equity of the Biden administration's student loan policies, the beneficiaries of the repayment pause and debt cancellation, and the potential drawbacks of the proposed income-driven repayment plan. Marc also shares his insights on the repercussions of deficits and long-term national debt.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
The Changing Face of Accreditation in Higher Education

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 24:17


Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, President of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), about the role of accrediting organizations in the higher education ecosystem. Dr. Jackson-Hammond explains the reason CHEA does not recognize accrediting organizations that accredit a majority of institutions or programs focused on sub-associate degree programs and whether this will change in the future.Dr. Jackson-Hammond and Dr. Altmire also discuss the need for shared accountability among accrediting bodies, state regulators, and institutions, CHEA's arbitration program, the implications of the upcoming rulemaking by the Department of Education as well as recent legislation passed in Florida that will directly affect accrediting organizations and institutions.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Rethinking Career Pathways with Community Colleges

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 23:01


In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire has a fascinating discussion with Senior Research Scholar Dr. Davis Jenkins about the role of community colleges in providing value and return on investment for students. Dr. Jenkins is the Senior Research Scholar at the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Columbia University Teachers College. The CCRC works with community colleges to achieve better outcomes and serve their communities with limited resources. Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Altmire discuss community college outcomes, degrees of value, and guided pathways.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
The Great Pell Grant Debate

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 23:05


In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire and veteran journalist Paul Fain explore the importance of the short-term Pell Grant for students, as well as the debate about whether students attending for-profit schools should be eligible for the grant. Both sides of the aisle agree that the short-term Pell Grant is a vital resource for many students, but can they work past their differences to pass legislation?Paul Fain is a higher education journalist known for his weekly newsletter, The Job. Dr. Altmire and Fain discuss how the current landscape of Congress will influence short-term Pell Grant bills, the provision regarding online programs, and the accountability measures for accessing short-term Pell Grants.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Reimagining the American Apprenticeship System

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 18:08


In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks to Dr. Robert Lerman, a leading expert in apprenticeships, about the challenges of the American apprenticeship system and how to make it more efficient in light of the growing trend of young people foregoing a traditional postsecondary education.Dr. Lerman is an Institute Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute. He is also the founder of the American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship and is the Chair of Apprenticeships for America. Together, Dr. Lerman and Dr. Altmire discuss how to improve the American apprenticeship system, how other countries approach apprenticeships, and the need for third-party assessments of the outcomes of apprentices. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx: A Champion for Higher Education

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 18:26


The Biden administration has shaken up the student loan debt system and targeted the for-profit sector. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chair of the Committee on Education & the Workforce, to discuss how Congress can improve postsecondary education so students and taxpayers will benefit from a better system. Congresswoman Foxx shares what oversight actions House Republicans will take to counter the current administration's actions on higher education. Then, Congresswoman Foxx and Dr. Altmire discuss the Real Reforms Act, if Congress can draw bipartisan support for a short-term Pell Grant program, what drives harsh ideologies against the for-profit sector amongst policymakers, and which rules and regulations in higher education should apply to everyone.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
An Inside Look at Arnold Ventures' For-Profit Higher Ed Research

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 25:09


Arnold Ventures is often the lead funder behind some of the most harshly critical reports of the for-profit sector. While their research has indicated disparities in outcomes among different types of higher education institutions, their main goal is ensuring students receive a quality education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Kelly McManus, VP of Higher Education at Arnold Ventures, to hear how the organization is working to increase accountability standards for all schools so all students can succeed regardless of where they choose to attend. Arnold Ventures is the philanthropic initiative of Laura and John Arnold that focuses on solving society's most challenging problems. One of their priorities is improving the higher education system and increasing accountability for better outcomes. Dr. Altmire and Kelly discuss Arnold Venture's focus on for-profit schools and how their research works to increase accountability across the board, the motivation behind the critics of for-profit schools, and how producing ROI for students impacts policy and the protection of taxpayer dollars.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Higher Education's Impending Overhaul

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 21:46


Higher education is ripe for a major shakeup, according to Professor Todd Zywicki. Todd is a professor of law at the George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School and talks with Dr. Jason Altmire about student loan defaults, the strengths of for-profit colleges and weaknesses of other institutions, and the lack of competition in higher education.Todd shares his thoughts on policymakers' pushback against for-profit colleges and how for-profit schools' outcomes compare with other institutions. Then, Todd and Dr. Altmire discuss how federal taxpayers fund “country club” college experiences for students and how competition can be restored in higher education's stifled market.  Find Todd's book Unprofitable Schooling here. Read a deep dive on student loans in The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Taskforce Report.Find Todd Zywicki on Twitter.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Does Low Pay Equal Low-Quality Programs?

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 19:53


In the ongoing debate around short-term program outcomes, one issue is often missed – market dynamics. Dr. Michelle Van Noy discusses the issues of labeling low-pay jobs as low-quality programs without factoring in the labor market.Dr. Van Noy is the Director of The Education and Employment Research Center at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. Dr. Van Noy and Dr. Altmire discuss jobs that are often low pay but important to society, how policymakers should look at short-term Pell funding, and credentialing.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
Achieving Big Dreams With Congressman Ric Keller

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 22:12


Ric Keller could not afford college, but one act of kindness from another person allowed him to go to college and earn not one but two degrees. Dr. Jason Altmire talks with former Congressman Ric Keller about his mission to help low-income kids attend college and how this journey led him to serve as Chairman of the House Higher Education subcommittee.Ric shares how to frame failure, move past adversity, and how using humor changed his life. Ric and Dr. Altmire also discuss the opposition to for-profit schools, the erosion of civility in politics, and practical steps for restoring this civility in divisive political environments. Check out his recently released book, “Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams.” To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
In the Struggle for the Senate, Republicans are Confident They Will Succeed

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 23:45


With the Senate being 50/50 right now, the majority is up for grabs come November. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire discusses key Senate races that will determine who controls the Senate with Matt Moon, deputy executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.Matt tells us what the election landscape looks like and why he believes Republicans will take the Senate. Matt and Dr. Altmire also examine current issues, like big city crime and the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, to analyze how these issues will influence voters' decisions. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
Advantages of Responding Quickly in Higher Education

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 23:57


When it comes to colleges and universities, the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and some schools are their own worst enemies. Larry Ladd knows this all too well with his over 40 years of experience as a financial executive in higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Larry about how for-profit institutions quickly respond to the market while non-profits are often slower.Student enrollment numbers are staying stable, but the number of for-profit schools has dropped. Larry and Dr. Altmire explore this phenomenon and other current trends in higher education. They also discuss hurdles the non-profit sector must address to remain relevant, the future of online learning and its implications for higher education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
An Insider Look into the Midterm Elections w/ Chad Pergram

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 27:51


The midterm elections are fast approaching, and we're curious how recent events have influenced this election's trajectory. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Chad Pergram, Congressional Correspondent for Fox News, about the possible shift in the U.S. House of Representatives and how the new session will likely unfold.Chad and Dr. Altmire discuss the animosity and lack of willingness to work together between the two parties. They also discuss how Chad navigates his job as a reporter in these times of animosity, which party will likely take control of the House and Senate, and the legislative hurdles facing both parties.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
A Reporter's Perspective on Higher Education Politics and Policy

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 20:43


Michael Stratford is a leading higher education reporter in Washington, D.C. As the senior education writer for Politico, Michael writes at the intersection of education policy & politics. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire sits down with Michael to discuss the different dynamics in education policy across the last three administrations and what he sees unfolding in today's education policy issues.   Michael shares his perspective on why there may be more coordination regarding the release of information on the Democratic side and why proprietary schools are disproportionately covered in higher education news. Then, Dr. Altmire and Michael discuss why the media focuses only on negative stories of the past in regard to proprietary schools, and what issues Michael is most focused on heading into the midterm elections. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
What is the Real Financial Value of Higher Education?

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 23:13


Preston Cooper takes a unique approach to calculating the return-on-investment (ROI) for college degrees. Preston is a Research Fellow at The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, a non-profit, non-partisan think tank that conducts research on expanding economic opportunity for those that have the least. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Preston about his research that looks at the lifetime financial value of 60,000 different programs. Preston shares how his ROI analysis method is unique from others and how it measures programs across all kinds of institutions. Preston and Dr. Altmire also discuss the problem in “socially valuable” programs that put students into professions that don't make a lot of money, and if these programs should be exempt from broad-based accountability. A better way to enforce accountability according to Preston would be gradual financial penalties instead of complete termination of federal funds, which would create incentives for institutions to improve programs.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
The Data Reveals the Truth on Students' Return-On-Investment

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 27:57


Michael Itzkowitz is the guru of College Scorecard. While working for the Department of Education, he noticed that some institutions were providing degrees to their students, but weren't leaving them with well-paying jobs or the ability to pay down their loans. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Michael about how his work now focuses on return-on-investment (ROI) and putting out information that helps ensure students get the best bang-for-their-buck. Michael Itzkowitz is Senior Fellow of Higher Education at Third Way, a think tank focused on working across the aisle to reform policy on issues including education. Michael tells us how he came up with an ROI metric and how this metric determines the time it will take a student to recover their costs spent on higher education. Michael and Dr. Altmire also discuss how these ROI metrics compare across public and private sectors, where the data stands on cosmetology programs, and the surprising data Michael discovered on which schools are actually providing the best ROI to students.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website. 

Career Education Report
Is Broad Student Loan Forgiveness Fair?

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 22:14


In this episode, we tackle an issue on many people's minds, student loans. Should there be broad student loan forgiveness? What are the implications of resuming student loan payments? To find out host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Carlo Salerno an economist and vice president for research at CampusLogic.Salerno and Dr. Altmire discuss the challenge in “turning the switch back on” for student loans, as well as issues surrounding the ethics of student loan forgiveness, the problem of debt without degrees, the equity problem of selective accountability measures on for-profit institutions, and the future of online education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Career Education Report
Can Critics and Defenders of For-Profit Schools Come Together?

Career Education Report

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 25:11


In today's episode, host Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Sandy Baum, nonresident senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and co-author of “Achieving the (almost) impossible: Consensus on for-profit education.” Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum discuss if there is common ground between critics and defenders of for-profit institutions to implement lasting regulations.Tune in to hear Dr. Altmire and Dr. Baum have a candid conversation about if for-profit institutions should be held to different accountability measures, what accountability should look like across all educational institutions of higher education, and can a consensus be reached.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.  

Village SquareCast
Forget Washington, Save America

Village SquareCast

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 86:28


What if we turn our eyes from Washington and rededicate ourselves to the most essential aspect of democratic self-governance that Washington doesn’t ultimately control — the “of, by, and for the people” of it all? And what might happen in Washington if we did? Do we have to forget about Washington if we’re ultimately going to save America? To attempt to answer this question we’re joined by Former U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire, author of the book “Dead Center” who has got unique insider knowledge and a determination to doggedly tell the truth. Jason Altmire served three terms in the United States House of Representatives. He was a bipartisan centrist known for working with both sides of the aisle – ultimately having 29 of his legislative initiatives signed into law. During his time in office, the nonpartisan National Journal calculated Altmire’s voting record to be at the exact midpoint of the House — the Dead Center — giving him the most centrist voting record in Congress.

The Purple Principle
Congress and Partisanship: The Outlook from Dead Center with Former US Congressman, Jason Altmire

The Purple Principle

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 26:08


Did you hear the one about bipartisanship? Two opposing congressmen walk into a town hall…and civil discussion breaks out.  Hard to believe in the current climate, but former three-term Congressman Jason Altmire recounts the origin and unfortunate demise of these bipartisan town halls in Episode 7, Congress and Partisanship. Author of Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America, Altmire was rated the most centrist member of the U.S. Congress during his three terms, 2007-2013. The Purple Principle discusses a range of issues with Hon. Jason Altmire, including the 2020 election, the Trump presidency, the role of partisan media in both parties, and the deep-rooted psychology underlying polarization. Original music composed and created by Ryan Adair Rooney.  For show notes and transcript, please visit our website: www.fluentknowledge.com/shows/the-purple-principle/congress-and-partisanship-the-outlook-from-dead-center-with-former-us-congressman-jason-altmire

Heinz Radio
Polarization in America with Former Congressman Jason Altmire [Rebroadcast]

Heinz Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2019 45:57


REBROADCAST (Original Publication Date: July 30, 2018) This week, we're republishing one of the original Heinz Radio episodes. In this episode, Eugene Leventhal interviewed Former Congressman Jason Altmire. They talked about his book, Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It, as well as his experience in Congress as a centrist candidate from Western Pennsylvania. Jason told Eugene about the burden of re-elections and campaigning and how young people can think about getting engaged in their communities.

Heinz Radio
Polarization in America with Former Congressman Jason Altmire

Heinz Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2018 45:57


In this episode, Eugene interviews Former Congressman Jason Almire. They talk about his book, Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It, as well as his experience in congress as a centrist candidate from Western Pennsylvania. Jason tells Eugene about the burden of re-election and campaigning, how young people can think about getting engaged in their communities, and they finish up with a conversation about healthcare.

Innovation Unleashed Podcast

According to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, “a world infused with new technologies demands courageous, imaginative policy solutions that will both harness technology’s tremendous potential for good and mitigate the displacement effects of rapid change. This is one of the greatest policy challenges of our generation, and one of the biggest gaps in the prospectus across the political spectrum.” This may seem impossible as we sit in the middle of an America that is bitterly divided. Partisans see people with differing opinions as the enemy. Opposite sides have dug in for an unrelenting winner-takes-all debate to the point of everyone ending up a loser. Today’s guest, Jason Altmire, has stood at the center of this partisan debate. Literally…exactly in the center. A former three-term member of Congress, Jason Altmire is uniquely qualified to offer solutions to the polarization that has paralyzed Washington. A respected political moderate known for working with both sides of the aisle. Jason Altmire served in the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. Because of his ability to bridge both sides of the aisle, Jason had 29 of his legislative initiatives signed into law, went five and a half years without missing a single vote, and introduced a bipartisan bill that gained the most cosponsors of any congressional bill in American history. During his time in office, the nonpartisan National Journal calculated Altmire's voting record to be at the exact midpoint of the House -- the Dead Center -- giving him the most centrist voting record in Congress.

The Gist
Move to the Center or Keep on Losing

The Gist

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2018 34:35


On The Gist, Mike wonders whether the “winner picked out of a bowl” antics in Virginia’s House of Delegates will really matter much. In the interview, former Democratic Rep. Jason Altmire has straightforward advice for candidates in blue-collar America: appeal to the center or lose out. Just as importantly, Altmire argues, the Democratic Party as a whole has to let them do it. Altmire’s book is Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It.  In the Spiel, Mike says the economy is looking up, and that means Republicans could keep their congressional majorities in the midterms ahead—barring a foreign policy disaster, of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate Daily Feed
Gist: Move to the Center or Keep on Losing

Slate Daily Feed

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2018 34:35


On The Gist, Mike wonders whether the “winner picked out of a bowl” antics in Virginia’s House of Delegates will really matter much. In the interview, former Democratic Rep. Jason Altmire has straightforward advice for candidates in blue-collar America: appeal to the center or lose out. Just as importantly, Altmire argues, the Democratic Party as a whole has to let them do it. Altmire’s book is Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It.  In the Spiel, Mike says the economy is looking up, and that means Republicans could keep their congressional majorities in the midterms ahead—barring a foreign policy disaster, of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Examining Politics
Salena Zito: Sitting down with a former congressman

Examining Politics

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2017 51:39


In cooperation with Sirius XM, the Washington Examiner brings you Mainstream Meets the Beltway with Salena Zito. This week Salena is joined by former Congressman Jason Altmire. Salena has a personal connection to the former representative: she covered his political career for six years, which Altmire describes as a turning point in American politics. Together they talk about Rep. Altmire’s new book ‘Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It,’ and about Jason’s life and career.

Political Wire Conversations
Jason Altmire: A Former Congressman Explains Our Divided Country

Political Wire Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2017 41:54


So this is tough one. I just finished speaking with former Congressman Jason Altmire. He has written a new book that I really hope you read. It captures exactly what most of us hope for, but also seems like a ridiculous long shot at the moment: That somehow our divided country will come together around policy and politics. Congressman Altmire’s new book is "Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America, and What We Can Do About It." Some background: From 2007-13, Altmire represented PA’s 4th district – that’s in the south-central part of the state. However, he lost his seat when it got redistricted for the 2012 vote. While in Congress, Altmire practiced what he preached – at one point the National Journal calculated his voting record to be at the exact midpoint of the House -- the Dead Center -- giving him the most centrist voting record in Congress.  Altmire argues that’s part of what did him in – but it’s also our way out of this mess. As I said, it’s a tough one. In a world of repeal & replace and delayed Puerto Rico hurricane relief and NFL national anthem divide and travel bans and tax cut debate and false “both sides” parallelism and rampant “Whataboutism” and Presidential popular votes don’t align with electoral vote results – I could keep going – there doesn’t seem to be an immediate path for the center to rise. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discuss it. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be really clear about what got us into this mess and what it might take to get us out. That’s what former Congressman Altmire has done with his book, and as you’ll hear, that’s what he does in his conversation with me. Before we begin though, I want to repeat an ask that I’ve been making on these podcasts – from me to you: I hope you like these conversations. If so, I’d appreciate if you’d take a moment, go to iTunes, and, if you’re so moved, leave a 5-star review. The ratings really matter. As always though, if you don’t like the conversations, please forget I ever mentioned it. That’s it. Here’s my conversation with former Congressman Jason Altmire.