What explains the gap between what We, the People want and what our elected leaders do? How can we fix our politics before it’s too late? And how can we truly understand the state of our democracy without wanting to crawl under a rock? That’s what former Obama speechwriter David Litt set out to answer in his much-anticipated new book, Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn’t, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think.
Poking into forgotten corners of history, translating political science into plain English, and traveling the country to meet experts and activists, Litt explains how the world’s greatest experiment in democracy went awry. Yet despite his clear-eyed assessment of the dangers we face, he remains “refreshingly optimistic” (Kirkus Reviews).
Litt will be joined by Valerie Jarrett, his former Obama White House boss, to discuss bold changes that are within our grasp and how to restore the balance of power in this country before it’s too late.
This event is produced in partnership with New York University’s John Brademas Center and the Brennan Center for Justice.
David Litt, former speechwriter to President Barack Obama; author of Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn’t, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Distinguished Fellow, University of Chicago Law School; former senior advisor to President Barack Obama; author of Finding My Voice: When the Perfect Plan Crumbles, the Adventure Begins