BPC Launches Presidential Leadership Initiative With an In-Depth Look Into the 21st Century Presidency
Washington, DC – In recent decades, a combination of global crises, increased polarization, and dramatic societal and technological changes have challenged the institution of the presidency and diminished its respect. At the same time, increasing congressional dysfunction has elevated and empowered the presidency to drive domestic and foreign policy decisions, expanding executive action.
The Bipartisan Policy Center is launching a new Presidential Leadership Initiative to explore these changing dynamics. BPC’s new effort will closely examine how the American presidency ties Americans together and leads America through times of crisis, while also focusing on the decision-making process inside the White House.
“The presidency must maintain respect for our democracy to succeed,” said BPC President Jason Grumet. “BPC has long worked to support and strengthen the deliberative capacity of the U.S. Congress. Our Presidential Leadership Initiative will work with historians, policy experts, and leaders from prior administrations to support the integrity, resiliency, and effectiveness of the U.S. presidency.”
“I am so pleased to be heading the Presidential Leadership Initiative at BPC,” said BPC Senior Fellow Tevi Troy. “The presidency is such an important American institution, and BPC is wise to recognize that both parties, and all Americans, have an interest in maintaining the appropriate role of this vital institution in American life.”
On April 20, BPC and the White House Correspondents’ Association will kick off BPC’s Presidential Leadership Initiative with a bipartisan discussion including White House insiders from the current and past four administrations. This is part of a series of events and projects examining the American presidency. Wednesday’s panels will focus on the media, presidential decision making, and America’s polarized political environment.
What: BPC’s Presidential Leadership Initiative
When: April 20, 2022, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Live on C-SPAN and streamed at www.C-SPAN.org.
Panel 1:
Cedric Richmond | Senior Advisor to President Biden
Jen Psaki | Press Secretary to President Biden
Kelly O’Donnell | NBC News; Moderator
Panel 2:
Kellyanne Conway | Senior Advisor to President Trump
Jay Carney | Press Secretary to President Obama
Joshua Bolten | Chief of Staff to President G.W. Bush
Thomas ‘Mack’ McLarty | Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to President Clinton
Steve Scully | Senior Vice President for the Bipartisan Policy Center; Moderator
BPC Fellow and presidential historian Tevi Troy has also embarked on a book focused on the modern American presidency. He notes that the discussion will touch on how “increased polarization and the suspension of regular congressional processes have led presidents of both sides of the aisle to press existing rules and presidential norms to their limits.”
Note: The event is open to media, but registration is required. Contact BPC Director of Media Relations Luci Manning with questions.