This was a great presentation and event Jared. You folks have been doing some excellent work.
I see you were not able to introduce Jane and Connor (the average Albertans) in this article, but the link provided highlights their preference for bipartisanship and working across the political divide. I would imagine Jane and Connor are not unlike the friends and family I speak with up here in the Capital region (except they cheer for a questionable hockey club), in that they are growing increasingly frustrated with what appears to be a policy agenda and political debate that no longer reflects their core interests, but instead those of a smaller minority of Albertans whom they find it difficult to relate to.
Despite this reality that your data reveals, politics seems to be heading in a different direction, somewhat disconnected from this preference to put policy over Party. There appears to be no penalty from Jane and Connor when politicians and their staffers no longer attempt to even relate to them or persuade them of their argument (post-persuasion) by swinging back to the middle in general elections to increase the “size of the tent.” On the contrary, it appears that the recipe for success these days, armed by more sophisticated tools, data, and analysis, is to activate the base, rage-farm for funding, micro-target small niche demographics, emphasize in-group/out-group dynamics, and campaign on behalf of a smaller yet more motivated group that do not share Jane and Connor’s vision for the province/country.
I’m curious about your thoughts on this disconnect between Jane and Connor’s desires and the increasing trend in politics to move to the extremes of the political spectrum. Can you expand on this?
Once again, it was a great event this evening and I enjoyed your lecture.
Not unlike Joe, they don't appear particularly engaged in politics. The go along to get along mentality usually favour's incumbents and the status quo.
Thanks for this article and the work you are doing to improve political health for all. it's refreshing to see this 'adult' behaviour being promoted with data and ideas for a better way forward. If this can work in AB, it's a good model for the rest of Canada.
This was a great presentation and event Jared. You folks have been doing some excellent work.
I see you were not able to introduce Jane and Connor (the average Albertans) in this article, but the link provided highlights their preference for bipartisanship and working across the political divide. I would imagine Jane and Connor are not unlike the friends and family I speak with up here in the Capital region (except they cheer for a questionable hockey club), in that they are growing increasingly frustrated with what appears to be a policy agenda and political debate that no longer reflects their core interests, but instead those of a smaller minority of Albertans whom they find it difficult to relate to.
Despite this reality that your data reveals, politics seems to be heading in a different direction, somewhat disconnected from this preference to put policy over Party. There appears to be no penalty from Jane and Connor when politicians and their staffers no longer attempt to even relate to them or persuade them of their argument (post-persuasion) by swinging back to the middle in general elections to increase the “size of the tent.” On the contrary, it appears that the recipe for success these days, armed by more sophisticated tools, data, and analysis, is to activate the base, rage-farm for funding, micro-target small niche demographics, emphasize in-group/out-group dynamics, and campaign on behalf of a smaller yet more motivated group that do not share Jane and Connor’s vision for the province/country.
I’m curious about your thoughts on this disconnect between Jane and Connor’s desires and the increasing trend in politics to move to the extremes of the political spectrum. Can you expand on this?
Once again, it was a great event this evening and I enjoyed your lecture.
Thanks, Brian. Here's more on Jane and Connor: https://open.substack.com/pub/cground/p/who-is-the-most-typical-albertan?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Not unlike Joe, they don't appear particularly engaged in politics. The go along to get along mentality usually favour's incumbents and the status quo.
JW
Hi! Can you please help with the link "You can sign up here" in the second last paragraph which appears to be disabled.
Please advise where we can sign up to join in these upcoming session. Appreciate your work. Thank you.
Sorry about that. We have corrected the link. It should now be live: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh7lNpvsLt8nNagBk_gGUjZewN55vH9sNr1vHn8h_lKUyS0w/viewform?usp=sf_link
Thank you! Much appreciated!
Thanks for this article and the work you are doing to improve political health for all. it's refreshing to see this 'adult' behaviour being promoted with data and ideas for a better way forward. If this can work in AB, it's a good model for the rest of Canada.
Really great lecture and panel discussion! Thanks for your insights!