On Oct. 14, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, in partnership with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, hosted a compelling panel discussion titled “Is Bipartisanship Dead?” The event brought together some of the nation’s top policymakers to explore the challenges — and opportunities — of working across party lines in today’s deeply polarized political landscape.
The discussion featured speakers with decades of experience in public office. Former Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) shared insights from her time as ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee and chair of the Homeland Security Committee’s Intelligence Subcommittee. Former Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, offered reflections from his years navigating both domestic and international policy challenges.
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In discussing the importance of bipartisanship in a democratic system that encourages and allows for different viewpoints, Dreier championed a political concept outlined in James Madison’s essay, Federalist No. 10. “Madison envisaged a ‘clash of ideas.’ But at the end of the day, a resolution.”
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“This is something I think about every day. My purpose is to encourage smart, honest, hardworking, well-educated, ethical people into public service, because I think it’s absolutely essential,” said Dreier, who ran for Congress when he was 25 years old.
“There are some very responsible people in both parties in elected office at various levels,” said Harman in response to a question from a young audience member. “Go find one and sign up as an intern, and go and learn. When I was in high school, I volunteered in a campaign for Congress in my area. … I learned so much, and it set me up for the next job and the next job. Bring your own skills and your hopefulness.”