Neither Third-Party Candidate nor Leadership Alone Can Solve the Problem

There may be big news coming out of Oklahoma this weekend if New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announces his candidacy for the Presidency at a conference addressing the crippling effects of bipartisanship hosted by former Senator David L. Boren. But in a statement from its president, Public Agenda says that neither a third-party candidate nor the efforts of a few Washington insiders are likely to impact a problem that requires citizens to be part of the solution.

"Until leaders invest trust in the American people, create more opportunities for average citizens to explore issues from multiple points of view and help them confront the facts of our nation's greatest challenges through dialogue, our government will remain shackled by political maneuvering and gamesmanship," said Public Agenda President Ruth A. Wooden. "Remember, parties are made of people. So until there is substantial change in the way our citizens are engaged in policy issues, efforts to overcome partisanship will, at best, shift who controls the bully pulpit."

Public Agenda advocates for a greater reliance on public dialogue to come to agreement on difficult issues. Read a "Primer on Public Engagement." To see an example of public dialogue at work on one of the most vexing problems, go to www.FacingUp.org. The site profiles nonpartisan efforts to engage citizens around the country in "Facing Up to the Nation’s Finances."

Wooden added, "America should welcome this gathering of leaders from across the political spectrum and support their bipartisan efforts. We share their commitment to changing business as usual in American politics. We need this, and more."