Peter —

Among many issues with broad consensus in the U.S. is the importance of repairing our infrastructure. Why? Because it affects everyone almost daily, and when it has deteriorated, it has a tendency to stop any forward progress in its tracks.

America has an infrastructure problem, but not just a physical one. For every degraded rail line or crumbling bridge, there’s a closed primary and a gerrymandered district. And then there’s our rigid, outmoded two-party system at the root of it all. We have a political infrastructure problem, too.

Think of it this way: What will get you to your destination faster—a worn-down two-lane road full of potholes, detours, and closures, or a brand new, multi-lane superhighway? Right now, America is stuck on a political two-lane road. There’s not enough room for a lot of drivers, so many give up and stay home.

At Forward, we think there should be room on the political road for everyone, to help us all get where we need to go. That’s why we’re building the superhighway.

Speaking of building political infrastructure…who knew it could be so fun? This past weekend, we celebrated our progress in Phoenix with our Forward-thinking friends in Arizona. What a blast we had!

Over food and drinks, and in between games and entertainment, we heard from Forward founder and co-chair Andrew Yang, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, former independent Congressional candidate Clint Smith, Forward CEO Lindsey Williams Drath, and other compelling speakers. Four local elected leaders joined our coalition by becoming “Forward Democrats.” And we enjoyed invigorating conversation as we charted the path Forward together for a new way of doing politics in Arizona.

Here’s what some Forwardists had to say…

“The kickoff of the Forward Together tour in Arizona was inspiring to see. So many Arizonans came together, all wanting the same thing: an improved government with elected officials who work for the people. It was very motivating to see so many people who care enough to show up and do what it takes to make change happen.” —Janelle I.

“As a 100% committed supporter of the Forward Party, I felt that this event was the biggest, best, and most fun get-together we have had in Arizona. The speakers were phenomenal and inspirational! I love to see the traction and exposure that our movement in gaining, and because of this event, I believe the Arizona Forward Party will continue to flourish with new members and volunteers. Thank you, Forward HQ, for throwing such an amazing event!” —Evan O.

Thank you, Arizona, for being fantastic hosts! And to everyone else, keep an eye out…we may be hitting your city next.

• The Forward Party seeks to qualify for Arizona election —The Arizona Republic
• The Gaggle: Why Arizona is part of a growing third-party wave across the U.S. [podcast]
• ‘A new political movement’: Andrew Yang visits USC, chats with students —Daily Trojan

OTHER NEWS & VIEWS

Why we focus on election reform
“Rather than relying on a small group of mostly out-of-touch politicians to make decisions for the entire nation, Forward is focused on systemic reform that will empower citizens to take an active role in shaping the policies that affect their lives. Additionally, Forward is heavily focused on reforms that address the issue of political polarization. The current two-party system often pits Americans against each other, creating a toxic political environment that is not conducive to meaningful dialogue and compromise. By promoting electoral reform and greater citizen participation in the political process, Forward helps to break down the barriers that divide Americans and instead bring them together around common goals and values.” —Ali Backscheider in The Topline

More ranked-choice voting news:

• RI elections: Ranked-choice voting, moving primaries, same-day registration proposed —The Providence Journal
• Montgomery County should be allowed to use ranked-choice voting —The Washington Post
• Peltola testifies on behalf of Oregon and Minnesota ranked choice voting initiatives —Anchorage Daily News
• Hearing planned on bill to repeal ranked-choice voting in Maine —WMTW
• Derek Monson: Vote-by-mail and ranked-choice voting: how to ensure voters’ trust —Deseret News

Let open primaries bill be heard
“Increasing participation in voting will only strengthen our electoral system, restoring trust in the political process and ensuring that the men and women who win office have the backing of a majority of citizens, not just primary voters. Open primaries will force politicians to stop pandering to extremes.” —Santa Fe New Mexican

More open primaries news:

• Indiana lawsuit challenges parties keeping candidates off ballots —The Federalist

Congress is stuck in a prison of its own making
“Constrained by offsetting dynamics, neither party appears well positioned to break into a clear lead in the House. The two sides look more likely to remain trapped in a grinding form of electoral trench warfare in which they control competing bands of districts that are almost equal in number, but utterly antithetical in their demographic, economic, and ideological profile.” —Ronald Brownstein in The Atlantic

More gerrymandering news:

• NC Supreme Court hears new arguments in redistricting case —Raleigh News & Observer
• Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates debate gerrymandering —ABC News
• Only 10% of House races were competitive in 2022, improvement in 2024 seems unlikely —Washington Examiner

We close today with these sage words from David Nevins in The Fulcrum: “We will continue to have our share of crises in America but unfortunately one of our most looming is a leadership crisis. Unless something changes when the next crisis emerges so will the dishonesty, misleading statements, and the demonization of opponents that are all used to serve a political interest.

As the old adage says: ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’

This approach is totally understandable since it works so well and certainly much easier than seeking the truth by analyzing new information, allowing the data and circumstances to lead one to the proper conclusion.

It is up to us to see through the charade or nothing will ever change. The Greek philosopher Plato was so right when said many years ago:

Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.

I’m tired of being punished. We must demand a new responsible political system focused on making the tough decisions regardless of whether it appeals to one’s base or not.”

That’s what we’re building.

All the best,
The Forward Party Team

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