The 2016 election was a stunning departure from recent presidential elections, with deep divisions in both parties and widespread skepticism that those in power have any interest or ability to make meaningful reforms. Are the anger, resentment, racial animus, and pessimism that have become so pervasive reflective of economic insecurity, or are there other forces at work as well? Do the dramatic changes in the U.S. economy, culture, technology, demographics, and politics reflect a fundamental shift in American values? Do they need to be restored or refashioned as a predicate for addressing economic insecurity and inequality? This thought-provoking panel conversation from the Economic Security Summit brings together a distinguished and diverse array of voices that delved into the economic forces shaping the upcoming election.
This event features Stan Greenberg (Chairman and CEO, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research), Jacob Hacker (Director, Institution for Social and Policy Studies), Heather McGhee (President, Demos), J.D. Vance (Author, Hillbilly Elegy and Principal, Mithril Capital Management, LLC), and moderator Mickey Edwards (Director, Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership at the Aspen Institute).
This event is part of Reconnecting Work and Wealth, a joint set of work led by the Economic Opportunities Program and the Financial Security Program. Income and assets are both essential building blocks of household economic security and opportunity, and are intertwined in the economic lives of households. Together EOP and FSP are exploring how critical changes in recent decades are reshaping both labor and financial markets and leaving working families more vulnerable. Through publications, public convenings, and intensive dialogues with leaders in industry, academia, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit organizations, the Aspen Institute is advancing the conversation on how to ensure that hard work can lead to economic stability and mobility in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/workandwealth.
The Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. For more information, visit our website at as.pn/eop. Learn about new events and activities by joining our mailing list (as.pn/eopmail) and following us on social media (as.pn/eopsocial).