As the conversation unfolded, the imperative to recapture collaboration from the public, private and non-profit sector became clear, as well as the essentiality of a high-quality and affordable system for grade school through post-secondary education.

The Dynamics of Colorado Politics: Insights from Ian Silveri

Henry and Scott interview Ian Silverii, a seasoned political strategist, former executive director of Progress Now, and host of the Get More Smarter podcast.  In this episode, we cover the evolving dynamics of party affiliation and electoral trends in the state. And in particular, is Colorado a “purple” state anymore?  Ian gives his emphatic take on that topic.

Other topics in this episode include the shift in party affiliations, the dominance of the Democratic party in Colorado, the evolving role of independent voters, and the impact of economic and demographic trends on the political debate.

Episode 2: Turns out eating is one of the best way to stay alive

Featuring: Mike Beasley

Did we mention we're building this podcast plane while flying it? After some, let’s just call them glitches, our second episode is out. This time, we welcome Mike Beasley, a veteran of Colorado's political scene, a former Cabinet Member for Republican Governor Bill Owens turned lobbyist and political consultant who is a fixture at the State Capitol. In this episode of Crux Politica, you will see why he is sought after for his counsel by people across the political spectrum and hear why he just might owe his life in politics to beer

In this episode, we reflect on the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by DHS agents in Minneapolis as an extraordinary and horrific backdrop for the more ordinary, but yet nonetheless pressing issues facing the State of Colorado, and how these national events impact our political moment right here. We discuss our unique budget challenges, how we might harness the ethos ofRotary Club—yes, the Rotary Club—for better relationships, and what's at stake when we look at cutting Medicaid.  We also take a look at how arbitrary rules unique to Colorado make for frustrating and sometimes absurd results. 

Our first guest is Terrance Carroll – a brilliant and dapper human, an attorney who was the first and, thus far, only African American Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, who is also a minister and recently launched, “Faithful Witness for Democracy.” He is especially fantastic. I promise if you watch to the end it is worth it.    

Speaker Carroll’s message addresses what Crux Politica embraces as an essential and core value: that if we see each other for what we all have in common  we can move toward solutions that for the moment seem elusive. (You have to watch to get the whole thing!) I dare say you will be a bit inspired. 

Of course, coming together and working toward solutions for the greater good starts with engaged people having civil conversation  about the real issues, challenges and opportunities at the heart of the matter.