Massachusetts’ Health Care System: an Rx for the Country?
by Thomas Gill on April 29, 2009 in Features
While April rain poured yet again last Wednesday April 22, students and guests headed inside the Kennedy School to attend a Forum discussion on health care reform. The event, titled “Health Care Reform: Is the Massachusetts Model the Rx for the U.S.?”, featured Jon Kingsdale, executive director of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority, Gail Wilensky, senior fellow at Project Hope, and Robert D. Reischauer, president, The Urban Institute. Read more
A Woman Beside the Man
by Thomas Gill on April 15, 2009 in Features
On April 1, HKS’s The Second Stage, a gender and leadership group created last year by Jen Scott (MPP ’09) and Ami Novoryta (MPP ’09), hosted a discussion with Connie Schultz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and nationally-syndicated columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper. Hailing from Astabula,Ohio, a manufacturing town east of Cleveland, Schultz has devoted her career to telling the stories of America’s underdogs and underprivileged.
During the event, Schultz discussed her 2007 book, …and his Lovely Wife: A Memoir from the Woman Beside the Man . Currently married to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), …and his Lovely Wife tells the story of Brown’s Senate campaign from Schultz’s own perspective – as a wife on the campaign trail.
The title of the book speaks for itself. From the moment Brown announced his intention to run for office, Schultz’s life changed. In the public eye, she went from being a high-profile journalist to being, first and foremost, Brown’s wife. Her life as a journalist became increasingly difficult. Friends and colleagues began reporting on her husband – and not always in the fairest light. And Schultz, who had made her living writing about the pressures facing everyday Ohians, began to write less and less. She eventually took leave from the Plain Dealer to work as a surrogate for her husband’s campaign.
Schultz’s perspective as a woman beside her man offered HKS students a fascinating glimpse into an aspect of political campaigns that many people may talk about casually, but rarely engage with in detail. During the discussion, Schultz spoke generously not only about the sacrifices she made for the campaign, but of the commitment she felt to her husband and of her desire to help him win.
As the event’s moderator and a lifelong follower of Ohian politics, I was struck by Schultz’s candor concerning the more difficult parts of her husband’s campaign. One anecdote in particular comes to mind.
After the release of her first book in April 2006 (Life Happens: And Other Unavoidable Truths ), Schultz hosted a book signing. The bookstore was packed with eager fans, lining up to see her. Her husband’s campaign staff, seeing the large crowd, began passing out campaign literature. What was intended to be her day became his day, and about his run for office.
Schultz readily admitted to the joys and difficulties of being married to a U.S. Senator. She mused on how her last name, which differs from her husband’s, became a campaign issue. She remarked on the effect of negative ads run by Brown’s competition, incumbent Republican Senator Mike DeWine, on her and her family, and the role of close friends in keeping her grounded throughout. In addition to describing her role as a surrogate speaker, Schultz also urged the audience to think about why more women are needed in office, and the role men can play in addressing gender stereotypes, particularly in politics.
“She was so genuine and humble, and urged us to keep a sense of ourselves – and a sense of humor – as we make decisions that impact our personal and professional paths,” said Jamille Bigio (MPP ’09).
Event sponsor Jen Scott was also enthusiastic.
“Schultz had a practical perspective that nearly every student who listened to her cherished. Most importantly, she reminded students that they can only be as passionate about policy as they are about people,” Scott said.
In between stories about her journalism career and life with a U.S. Senator, Schultz invited audience members to tell her their stories.
“It was clear that she often asks people that – and that she really does care,” said Bigio. “It was a powerful reminder of how such small exchanges can create a sense of connectedness – and of shared purpose.”
Pioneering Politician
by Thomas Gill on February 25, 2009 in Features
- A Review of Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed
In sports or politics, Americans love an underdog story. The U.S. still cherishes its win over Russia in the 1980 Olympic hockey final. More recently, we rejoiced in the election of Barack Obama, who, it seems, came out of nowhere to win the nomination and the presidency. These wins reflect an American ideal – that success is within reach of anyone willing to work hard. Read more
The Official Staff Ball: Still Work to be Done
by Thomas Gill on February 11, 2009 in Features
Having worked as a deputy field organizer for the Obama campaign, I attended the Official Staff Ball at the D.C. Armory, a cavernous arena in Washington, D.C. The Armory was decorated with banners commemorating the inauguration. Jay-Z and Canadian rock band Arcade Fire gave rousing performances, breaking for speeches by Campaign Manager David Plouffe, Vice President Joe Biden, and President Barack Obama. Read more
Deporting the “la” out of LA
by Thomas Gill on July 29, 2008 in Blog
Following Hurricane Katrina, the message on Spanish radio stations throughout the southern U.S. was clear: “There is plenty of work on the Gulf Coast. Please go there and be a part of the rebuilding.” Also, on September 6, 2005, just days after the storm hit, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it was suspending certain labor regulations for a 45-day period. Employers would not be required to confirm the identity of employees. DHS then lifted wage restrictions for two months in order to allow contractors to pay lower wages to the workers that would rebuild the city. The result was an influx of Latino workers needed to help rebuild New Orleans. It is widely accepted in New Orleans today that Latinos did a substantial amount of the reconstruction that enabled later flows of people to return to the city .
