The Bipartisan Policy Center’s (BPC) Commission on Political Reform (CPR) launches with two main purposes—to understand the causes and consequences of America’s partisan political divide and to advocate for specific electoral and congressional reforms to help Americans achieve shared national goals.
- Olympia Snowe and Dan Glickman
A National Conversation on the State of American Unity
USA TODAY's Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page moderated CPR's inaugural town hall meeting featuring more than a dozen commission members – including national political figures, volunteer and religious leaders, business executives, academics, state and local elected officials, and journalists. The national conversation examined how polarized our country is, the causes of that polarization and its effect on our government and decision-makers.
The public participated in the discussion in real time by watching the webcast, voting in the poll, and submitting questions and comments to the commissioners during the event.
Divided Washington Must Still Function
Feb. 19, 2013
Even after the most contentious elections, Congress and the president, Republicans and Democrats, traditionally come together to find common ground for the good of the nation. But continuing post-election hyperpartisan showdowns have Americans wondering whether Washington can perform its basic work, let alone take farsighted action to build a more vibrant future.
National Survey of Registered Voters Regarding Political Polarization
March 6, 2013
In partnership with USA TODAY, the Bipartisan Policy Center examined public attitudes about partisanship in American politics and released a brand new national poll by Whit Ayres and Mark Mellman on partisanship in America.
Bipartisan Policy Center Announces New Commission on Political Reform
Feb. 20, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) announced the creation of a new Commission on Political Reform (CPR) to understand the causes and consequences of America’s partisan political divide and to recommend reforms to help Americans achieve shared national goals. The commission will be co-chaired by former Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Trent Lott (R-MS), former Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), former Senator, Governor and Secretary Dirk Kempthorne (R-ID), and former Representative and Secretary Dan Glickman (D-KS).
Tom Daschle
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader (D-SD); Co-founder, BPC
Dan Glickman
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (D); Senior Fellow, BPC
Dirk Kempthorne
Former Governor of Idaho, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior (R); President and CEO, American Council of Life Insurers
Trent Lott
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader (R-MS); Senior Fellow, BPC
Olympia Snowe
Former U.S. Senator (R-ME); Senior Fellow, BPC
To solicit public opinion from around the country, the Commission on Political Reform will propose a series of questions in the weeks leading up to each of the national conversations. The best responses will be incorporated into the town hall programs in real time.
Latest Questions
Is civility in Washington important to you?
What's your favorite form of public service?
How do you think having more women in Congress affects the legislative process?
Do you think Congress should address issues piecemeal or attempt comprehensive solutions?
