Chuck Todd delivered an insightful and informative presentation that truly “advanced the center.” He identified the common ground Americans share while examining ways our political system and democratic institutions can better represent and serve the people. His message was ultimately hopeful: meaningful progress is possible when people with different perspectives are willing to listen, find areas of agreement, and work together. Many of those themes appear in Chuck’s essay, “Time for a Divorce?”, published shortly after our August 13 event. In it, he explores how greater political choice, electoral reform, and coalition-building could create a healthier democracy, one in which governing requires people to work with those with whom they do not always agree.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chuck Todd; our emcee and longtime partner, Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson; and young-adult panelists Jacob Shircliff and Breonna Jones for sharing their perspectives and voices. We are also deeply grateful to the Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation, our generous sponsors and every guest who joined us. Together, you helped make the evening meaningful, hopeful, and an important step toward building the Indiana that Hoosiers deserve.