Sidewalk erosion is one of those things which even informed people often don't fully appreciate. We tore up most of the sidewalks in our cities to make room for cars.
When Al Smith sang about the "Sidewalks of New York", they were about THREE TIMES as wide as they are today!
This is why I wish more D operatives had Hill experience (or district office!)
These are wonderful insights to what people care about today, back home, in an evolving world. And how you can help.
Those folks you listen to will become your most loyal supporters.
"Campaigns... are last mile marketers" downstream of culture is a very good way of framing the situation.
Staying in cultural bubbles won't fix this. Neither will "cracking the code" style laziness.
I will keep saying this forever: Members of Congress should show up at naturalization events. They are a good use of time. They are celebrations. They’re a great way to focus on the values of America.
On my first Amtrak trip to Boston, there was a young conductor on the route, from middle America. New train set, lots of money into the NEC at the time.
He was glued to the window in happiness to see the famous Sunnyside Yards. Never forget the grandeur hidden in plain sight.
Don't underestimate what you know. What feels basic to you could be gold to someone else. Your "common sense" took years to build. Share what you've learned. Even the simple stuff––especially the simple stuff. You never know who needs it or where it may lead.
Obama’s burger visits were a big deal, especially this one at Navy Yard Five Guys when that chain was brand new.
These are the cultural connections he did so well, and frankly that Dem VIP staff took for granted after his presidency.
Without culture, trust erodes.
I just hope the Lerners are making money. That’s what really matters in baseball, and what we teach kids every summer.
The sport is fun and all, but it’s really about manipulating nostalgia for the revenue streams. Strong examples about life and competition are secondary.