Mastering the Room

Takeaways

• Richard Schiff's upbringing in New York City and his early involvement in political activism shaped his interest in politics.
• The West Wing had a profound impact on young people, inspiring many to pursue public service, but the show's influence has diminished over time.
• Schiff reflects on the challenges of maintaining a West Wing mentality in today's political climate and the need for cynicism and pragmatism.
• Researching for the role of Toby Ziegler on The West Wing exposed Schiff to the inner workings of government and the complexity of decision-making at the presidential level. Real politics often involves compromises that can be disappointing.
• Staying engaged in politics and making a positive difference is important.
• The pursuit of a more perfect union requires continuous effort.
• Extending life and health span raises ethical questions.
• Getting involved and contributing to positive change can make a difference.
• Resisting apathy and staying informed is crucial in politics.

Titles

• Researching for the Role of Toby Ziegler
• The Impact of The West Wing on Young People The Impact of Toby Ziegler
• The Ethics of Extending Life

Sound Bites

• "You guys personified politics as it's supposed to be."
• "Do we have room for a West Wing mentality anymore?"
• "The West Wing was a seven-year graduate school in political science education."
• "Our compromises were always disappointing."
• "You would rather lose and be correct than hold power and get half the loaf."
• "Doing something positive, even if it's just charity work, will make you feel better about the world."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:38 The Impact of The West Wing on Young People

07:32 The Challenges of Maintaining a West Wing Mentality

23:24 Researching for the Role of Toby Ziegler

26:08 The Complexity of Decision-Making in Government

29:18 The Compromises and Disappointments of Real Politics

32:57 The Impact of Toby Ziegler

38:05 The Ethics of Extending Life

42:37 Getting Involved and Making a Positive Difference

52:55 Resisting Apathy and Staying Informed

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

Takeaways

• Human interest stories and immersive journalism can create empathy and understanding in war reporting.
• Empathy and authoritarianism cannot coexist.
• Reporting on traumatic events requires self-care and attention to mental well-being.
• The war in Ukraine has implications for the global order, and the United States' engagement is crucial.

Titles

• The Challenges of Reporting in a War Zone
• The Incompatibility of Empathy and Authoritarianism

Sound Bites

• "Empathy and authoritarianism can't mix."
• "Ukrainians are obsessed with sushi despite being nowhere near any ocean."
• "This is a war that is emblematic of a new Cold War."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 The Goal of Creating Empathy and Inspiring Action

08:00 The State of the War in Ukraine and Its Impact

10:07 Surprising Aspects of Ukrainian Culture

12:14 The Challenges of Reporting in a War Zone

22:11 Ukrainian Sentiments Towards the West and the US

24:51 Why Americans Should Care About the War in Ukraine

27:17 Lightning Round: Precarious Situations, Reading, and White Whale Scoops

33:27 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• Donald Trump has been convicted on 34 felony counts in the state of New York, related to falsifying records to conceal campaign violations.
• The jury selection process was carefully conducted to ensure a fair trial, with questions about jurors' news sources and potential biases.
• The jury's quick deliberations and unanimous guilty verdicts were not surprising, given the evidence and instructions from the judge.
• The sentencing process will involve a probation officer's report, and Trump is likely to receive jail time, along with fines and community service.
• The appeals process will follow the sentencing, with the highest court in New York being the likely final arbiter of the case.
• There is a possibility that Trump could be sentenced to jail and still accept the Republican nomination, but it is unlikely that he would serve jail time while in office if re-elected.
• The events of January 6th and the ongoing threats to democracy are cause for concern, and the importance of civil discourse and engagement cannot be overstated.

Chapters

00:00 Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts

03:15 The Jury Selection Process

05:10 Quick Deliberations and Guilty Verdicts

09:50 The Sentencing Process

20:44 The Implications of Sentencing on the Republican Nomination

25:18 The State of Democracy

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• The federal budget is a complex and abstract topic that is difficult to make relatable to people, but it is important because it affects the strength of the economy, national security, and the ability to address new challenges.
• Mandatory spending, which includes entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, is a major driver of the budget and is less subject to oversight and evaluation compared to discretionary spending.
• The political incentives for lawmakers to focus on mandatory spending include the popularity of these programs and the tangible benefits they provide to individuals.
• Ignoring the fiscal problem and failing to address the growing debt can have serious consequences, including crowding out other investments, hindering economic growth, and creating vulnerabilities in national security.
• Addressing the fiscal problem requires a combination of raising revenues and cutting spending, and it is unrealistic to expect that the problem can be solved without making difficult choices.
• China's role as a major borrower of US debt poses a risk, as they have the ability to stop lending or sell their existing treasuries, which could have negative effects on the US economy.
• There is a need for a fiscal commission to bring together lawmakers from both parties to find solutions and create a public education effort to engage people in understanding the importance of fiscal responsibility.
• While there are challenges and concerns, there is still hope that the fiscal problem can be addressed and the country can work towards a more sustainable financial future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Importance of the Federal Budget

12:01 The Challenges of Mandatory Spending and the Political Incentives

25:56 Addressing the Fiscal Problem Requires Difficult Choices

34:37 The Risk of China Calling the US Debt

37:02 Hope for Addressing the Fiscal Problem

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• Lorenzo Santos is a Democratic challenger from Wisconsin running for Congress because of his love for his community and belief in his unique skill set.
• He has a background in politics and grassroots organizing, which has allowed him to understand the challenges and experiences of other candidates.
• Santos emphasizes the importance of engaging with voters, listening to their concerns, and fighting for the issues that matter to them.
• He recognizes the challenges of fundraising and reaching out to voters in a polarized political environment but remains committed to transparency and principled stands on important issues.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Motivations

02:54Grassroots Organizing and Engaging with Voters

07:11Reproductive Rights and Differentiating from the Incumbent

11:01Challenges and Strategies in a Polarized Political Environment

13:15Transparency, Listening, and Fighting for the Issues

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

Takeaways

Being ideologically consistent is important in politics, regardless of which party is in power. The United States is facing generational challenges that require attention and action. Bipartisanship should not be seen as a negative, but as a way to address important issues. Leaving Congress and running for president can be a rewarding experience despite the challenges. Finally, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of America.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

03:16

From CIA to Congress

09:32

Bipartisanship in Politics

16:14

Challenges in Congress

26:53

Leaving Congress and Running for President

31:48

Lessons from Running for President

36:54

Optimism for the Future

41:06

Favorite Cocktail and Closing

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• Rural America's conservative leanings are not a recent phenomenon but have been developing for decades.
• The rural-urban divide is more complex than a simple distinction between Democrats in cities and Republicans in rural areas.
• Rural voters interpret politics through a place-based lens and have a shared fate perspective.
• Rural voters value their sense of place and have a deep connection to their communities.
• Rural voters are not solely defined by demographics and exhibit a range of political beliefs.
• Donald Trump's appeal to rural voters can be attributed to his perceived authenticity and his challenge to the political establishment.
• Rural voters have genuine anxieties and concerns that have shaped their political views.
• Stereotypes and generalizations about rural Americans hinder understanding and dialogue.
• It is important to take the time to understand the perspectives and experiences of rural Americans.
• Reducing people to stereotypes and dismissing their concerns does not contribute to productive political discourse.

Chapters

00:00Introduction: The Question of Rural Conservatism

03:40The Rural-Urban Divide

10:37Characteristics of Rural Voters

16:23The Appeal of Donald Trump to Rural Voters

29:25Challenging Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• TikTok is a social media platform with 170 million users in the United States, known for its addictive nature and short videos.
• The concern with TikTok lies in its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company that may be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government.
• Teenagers and young people are the primary users of TikTok, but they generally do not prioritize the national security concerns or the potential ban of the app.
• There is a need for regulatory frameworks to protect children online and address privacy concerns, but finding the balance between freedom of expression and user protection is challenging.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Overview

00:59 What is TikTok?

03:35 Concerns about Data Privacy

06:03 Public Perception and Teenagers' Views

08:48 Legislation and Separating TikTok from ByteDance

13:26 Political Motivations and Privacy Concerns

15:22 Privacy Trade-Offs and Mental Health Impact

23:19 Overview of the Bill and ByteDance's Response

24:14 Details of the Bill and Constitutional Concerns

25:28 Definition of Foreign Adversary and Potential Geopolitical Implications

26:36 Avoiding First Amendment Concerns and Forced Divestiture

27:49 Potential Buyers and Antitrust Concerns

28:04 Uncertainty from Apple and Google

28:32 Data Privacy Concerns and ByteDance's Efforts

30:08 Likelihood of Adoption in the Senate

31:19 Former President Trump's Stance

34:26 Impact on Youth and Media Literacy

36:23 Media Literacy and Responsibility

39:44 Likely Court Challenges

41:05 Potential Constitutional Challenges

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.

• Impeachment has become normalized in politics, with both parties using it as a campaign slogan and tool.
• The definition of high crimes and misdemeanors is open to interpretation, leading to debates about what constitutes an impeachable offense.
• Congress needs to assert its authority and strengthen its oversight power to prevent stonewalling and ensure compliance with subpoenas.
• The normalization of impeachment raises concerns about the future of democracy and the potential for abuse of power. Congress should work together to address executive actions and make them go away through legislation.
• Congress needs to reclaim its war powers and fulfill its constitutional duty to declare war.
• Partisanship and political calculation have led to the loss of congressional authority and a polarized environment.
• Courageous behavior should be rewarded regardless of party affiliation.
• Gerrymandering reform and the For the People Act are important steps towards fair elections.
• The founders would be both disappointed and hopeful about the current state of American democracy.
• Amending the Constitution for greater democracy and ending the dominance of political parties is crucial.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

04:47The History of Impeachment

06:10Defining High Crimes and Misdemeanors

09:01Impeachment as a Political Tool

10:29Congressional Authority and Impeachment

14:11The Normalization of Impeachment

28:43Taking Back Power from Executive Actions

29:39Congress' Abdication of War Powers

30:36Wimpiness of Members of Congress

31:06The Polarized Environment

31:36Hope for Governing and Working Together

32:01The Impact of Partisanship on Courageous Acts

32:30The Need for Courage to be Rewarded

32:45Disentangling from Political Party

33:06Gerrymandering Reform

34:07The For the People Act

35:41Being Primaried and Regretting Votes

36:15Running for Office Again

37:14Redistricting and Gerrymandering

38:00Drawing Multi-Member Districts

39:08The Founders' Perspective on Today's World

41:17Surprises for the Founders

44:14The Challenge to the Electoral College

45:13The Tantalizing Dream of Government

48:36Amending the Constitution for Greater Democracy

49:29Ending on a Bipartisan Note

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.