The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) hosted a Bridge-Builder Breakfast

The Missing Middle: How Extremes from Both Parties are Changing the Debate

As the spectacle over raising the nation’s debt ceiling proved, the loudest voices from both parties made a “grand bargain” all but impossible. From routine pieces of legislation to important issues that affect our economic growth and global competitiveness, the middle is missing from the debate. BPC brought together former Representatives, political strategists and journalists for a frank discussion about Congress and compromise, addressing the specific steps leaders can take to get America moving again.

Featuring Panelists

John Avlon
Contributor, CNN; Senior political columnist, The Daily Beast;
Author, “Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe is Hijacking America”

Secretary Dan Glickman
BPC Senior Fellow

Kiki McLean
Partner & Managing Director, Porter Novelli; Co-Founder, No Labels

Congressman Chris Shays (R-CT)

Moderated by

Jonathan Capehart
The Washington Post

A series presented by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), Bridge-Builder Breakfasts highlight institutions and individuals who are reaching across political lines to solve critical challenges facing the country. At a time when partisan conflicts often attract the most attention, the BPC is committed to creating a forum for those who, despite differing views, are willing to collaborate in order to advance the common good.

Democracy Project, Bipartisanship