My Favorite Political Movies of 2014

Outside of being a political nerd, I am a huge movie nerd too.  So I thought for fun, I'd compile  my favorite political movies of this year.  No pretentious reviewing, no obnoxious flowery language, just a quick - what you should check out

Category 1 - War Movies

Lone Survivor - Released 1/10/2014
- Imagine the moral dilemma...

Monuments Men - Released 2/7/2014
- Art is what defines us, government is what wants to define us

Fury - Released 10/17/2014
- Protecting ideals means incredible sacrifice

 
Category 2 - Finally They Made That Movie!
Cesar Chavez - Released 3/28/2014
- I wish he were alive today to see what's being done to the farms his farmers helped make the greatest agricultural producing region in the country

Atlas Shrugged III - Released  9/12/2014
- See the first two if you can, and try to understand why there are different actors in each... but still, great story and maybe you'll figure out who John Galt is.


Category 3 - Documentaries to Enjoy
Dancing in Jaffa - 4/1//2014
- Can art transcend entrenched political division?

America - Released 7/2/2014
- The drum-beating narrative of anti-American sentiment deconstructed

Category 4 - Huh, didn't think about it that way...
The LEGO Movie - Released 2/7/2014
- Control and monotony are so irritating...
Need For Speed - Released 3/14/2014
- Just kidding, was checking to see if you were reading - but admit it, you watched it to fill your Breaking Bad fix with Jesse Pinkman

The Purge: Anarchy - Released 7/18/2014
- Absurdity aside, it presents a frightening vision of our increasing isolationism

Category 5 - You Might be a 14 Year Old Girl, But Still
Divergent - Released 3/21/2014
- Government shouldn't define who you are, or who you can associate with, or control all information

The Giver - Released 8/15/2014
- Freedom of thought should break you free of forced moralities - plus the Dude stars in it for you Lebowski fans
The Maze Runner - Released 9/19/2014
- Order and safety do not trump freedom and achievement
The Hunger Games Mockingjay - Released 11/21/2014
- Question for you - are you sure that support you get is in fact benevolent?

Whichever movies you choose to watch - may the odds be ever in your favor!

Communications in a Crisis

Recent events have been a stark reminder of many thing:

- the difference in comfort levels in our communities

- the difference in attitudes and opinions towards authorities

- the lack of understanding between citizens of the same country

While there are many things to lament, there are also many things to consider. We'd rather leave that to the experts in those fields to sort through.  However one thing became clear to us that should be considered - What is your Crisis Communication Plan?

While it's possible to prepare for every eventuality, you need to have a plan to begin with:

- what are your vulnerabilities?

- what are the most likely things to go wrong?

- what is likely to be misunderstood?

Next you need to consider response:

- who is the designated spokesperson?

- what can / should they say for each issue?

- who will handle follow up inquiries?

And that is about as far as most communications plans go.  It's also where the breakdown begins.  More often than not the problems of a crisis occur because of a lack of familiarity and cooperation between interest groups.  Your plan needs to go further if you don't want to see a complete breakdown.

Your next step is asking how you are going to move forward:

- who can help heal the problems? Business consultants, therapists, ministers?

- what strategies should be implemented to heal? Community forums, outreach trees, group leaders?

- what is being done to record and promote those healing activities?

Your final task is turning that forward progress into a story of success.

Would any such plan have changed what happened? Probably not. But what it can do is create a less acrimonious situation than when emotions supplant reason.

What are my odds? Can polling predict your future?

“C-3PO: Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1.

Han Solo: Never tell me the odds!”

With several upsets and surprises in the recent elections both at the federal, state and local levels, many candidates might be scratching their heads wondering if knowing their polling numbers was a good or a bad thing while campaigning.  And for many election season might have made them feel like Han Solo in Star Wars fighting through an asteroid field.  But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know your odds.

Whether your polling shows you up 10 points or down 10 points at the beginning, middle or towards the end of the campaign, anything can happen on Election Day! We are a fickle voting public and our minds change easily and rapidly.  Knowing your odds, knowing your polling numbers, knowing the perception voters have of you, are all vital aspects to your campaign.  Polling may not be an exact science but it’s still an essential part of having a glimpse into your future.

As Yoda once said, “Difficult to see.  Always in motion is the future.”

What's in Your Backyard?

By now you've probably seen the social media map where you can click on the state's you've visited.

It was put out by a company named MapLoco and has been all over Facebook.  If you want to do your own, Click Here.

Here's mine:

Yep, 45 of 50.  Some tell me I can't include Michigan because I only had a layover in the Detroit airport (but I did go outside of security and to non airport land in post 9/11 travel lines & Michaganders have told me it counts, so I am going to count it).

Seeing everyone else's maps though brings up a really interesting observation -

We, as Americans, don't travel enough.  What's more, we don't travel our own country.

Every state I've been to, I have nothing but praise for.  There's something uniquely different about each and every state that you can only see in those states.

Even more uniquely, even in the square states out west, the differences between states are stark even along those man made lines.

The painted desert of Arizona, the mountains of Utah, the Cliff dwellings of New Mexico, Colorado's plains contrasted with their mountains, the black soil of western Oklahoma, Kansas' rolling hills...

Each state is absolutely amazing.  And the food!

You don't know what you're missing if you haven't had Franklin BBQ, or a Green Chile Burger in New Mexico, or seen the Big Texan live and in person (webcasts dont count), or G & M Crabcakes in Baltimore, Grimaldi's Pizza in New York, the Varsity in Athens GA, Gus' Chicken in Memphis, a peanut butter burger from the Blue Door in Minneapolis... You haven't lived!  So many others I could name too.

Or what about things you wouldn't have expected?  Des Moines has the most beautiful State Capitol Building in the country.  The Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City.  Or the original Bass Pro Shop... Not the one you've visited nearby, the ORIGINAL one in Springfield Missouri. The NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis. Old Market in Omaha.  Everything in Hot Springs Arkansas...

So if your map ends up looking like the Peruvian flag, it might be time to put down your coastal judgement, stop calling them "fly over states" and check out what you may be missing.

You can really better understand Americans as a culture, as a people, and how we inter relate... if you just get out there and explore.

Oh and by the way, pretty much every one of these places has an amusement park near by so you can keep the kids entertained.

Go See America!

100% Miss Rate

Last night Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers became the NBA's all time shot missing leader.  Now being he is a shooting forward, and has played in the NBA for nearly two decades this isn't all that surprising to find out.

Conversely, Michael Jordan famously quipped "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Kobe's comment was less eloquent, "well I've been playing for 19 years"

Jordan's point was that you have to try to succeed.  Both are top five all time scoring leaders in the NBA - so succeed they certainly have.

The top 5 scorers in NBA history are-

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387)

2. Karl Malone (36,928)

3. Michael Jordan (32,292)

4. Kobe Bryant (31,887)

5. Wilt Chamberlain (31,419)

By contrast the top 5 missed shot leaders in NBA history are - 

1. Kobe Bryant (13,421)

2. John Havlicek (13,417)

3. Elvin Hayes (13,296)

4. Karl Malone (12,682)

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12,470)

Quite a few common names on those lists.

Often in government affairs we run into problems where we have a road block before we try something.  Whether it's pursue legislation, respond to media, or push forward on PAC fundraising.

Each one of those road blocks are keeping you from making any progress.  If you really want to succeed. You have to try.  There is no other way.

Scanning through Wilt Chamberlain's NBA records that he still holds, you can see that he led the league in attempted field goals from 1959-1966, half his career. He was never held back for fear of failing a shot, and you shouldn't be either.

Where does Michael Jordan land on the list of all time missed shots?

Sixth.

The post mortem that matters

To those who won last night, congratulations. 

To those who lost, please stay engaged. 

To everyone who ran / supported an issue, thank you for participating. 

To those who voted, thank you. 

To those who didn't, please register and commit next time. 

To those who were inspired, welcome.

To those who were disheartened, get back up.

To those that want to know more about government, let me know how we can help you.

Owning the Moment

A year ago today I was in New York, recovering from one of the most grueling experiences of my life.  The New York Marathon.

• I was undertrained
• I was overweight
• I was out of my league
• I was pretty sure I wouldn't do very well

Not quite the ringing endorsement for a marathoner.  But I was faced with a very simple choice:

• Run it and push through enduring it all,
• Take my time, enjoy it, own it, and see what comes, or
• Drop out

Well I'm not one to quit, pushing was likely to get me injured.  Or I could own the moment.

So I did.

Empire State Building Lit Up

Boarding the Staten Island Ferry

 26.2 miles of people jammed packed 5 people deep on either side of the road there to cheer on 50,000 strangers as they ran through the streets of their city, completely messing up traffic.

If ever there is a moment to own... this was it.  The greatest marathon in the greatest city in the world.  With the greatest people in the world.  An experience truly unlike any other.

Starting Line

 If you ever want to know what you are truly made of, challenge yourself.  But when you do.  Don't just do something small, do something real.  Big.  Unexpected.

A statue the French sent us

On the last .2 mi

 It was absolutely amazing.  I would never have had it any other way.  And I was even with friends who had inspired me.

But that wasn't enough.

With my Friend Andrew who coached me

Now I needed to have a little fun.

So that night at dinner, I set the stage.

A pretty great pizza joint off of Times Square.

In the picture with Andrew you can see a staircase behind me.  That's where I owned the moment.  After all I have done, I wanted to have a little fun.  So I told everyone at the table, I was heading to the top, and I wanted them to applaud whatever I did.  They complied...

I had the entire restaurant applauding me.  A few even came over and congratulated me, one asked if I won.

Yes... Yes I did!

I owned the moment!

See what owning the moment can do for you!

Fresh Perspectives Keep You Vibrant

When I first moved to D.C. I created one rule for myself - the second I looked at the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building and wasn't in awe - it was time to move home because I'd become one of those jaded people.

The White House

 Here I am 14 years later and luckily that day hasn't come.  Something I am eternally grateful for.

The U.S. Capitol down Pennsylvania Ave.

Washington D.C. is one of those cities where you can easily lose your sight on what is important as you get caught up in a lot of peripheral issues.  But its not unique to D.C., it's not unique to this industry, and it's not unique to your issues either.

The key is to do what you can to fight that from happening.  Keep that fresh perspective.

Remember back to the first day you started doing what you are doing.  That wide eyed - some will call it wonder, some will call it realization you are in over your head.  Whatever!  Remember that feeling.

Now, realize the people you are trying to work with have that same experience.  And your issue is most likely brand new to them, or it's a completely different perspective.  Take that moment and realize that in this moment, how you present is more important than what you present.

The Washington Monument

Try to keep that perspective as you make your way through what you are accomplishing.  Regroup.  Make the discussion yours.  And don't fall victim to that cynicsm you hated when you finally got your feet under you.

That's how you know you're doing the right thing... still...

The Lincoln Memorial

 These are all pictures I took last night from my iPhone.  

Keep your Perspective Fresh!

ASAE 2014 Government Affairs Symposium - 10/30 - Washington D.C.

For the past few years we have had the great fortune of speaking at the American Society of Association Executives Government Affairs Symposium. For those of you unfamiliar, this is one of the premier events in the country that brings together National, State, and Local government affairs professionals to learn new techniques in government relations. Our first presentation was in 2011 where we presented on "How to Frame the Ask" - showing people how to reframe their Political Action Committee requests. We focused on everything from high dollar to low dollar requests, and how you make them personal In 2012 we were invited back to cover how to build a government affairs program from the ground up - something we have helped do a number of times. Last year PACs once again became a focus for ASAE Government Relations Symposium, where we helped show associations effective ways develop a monthly and annual plan to achieve their PAC fundraising goals. This year we are once again presenting to this great event! What are we covering? Do you know how many times you or your organization is missing an opportunity to PAC fundraise? Whether its just not part of a routine, or its just not how its been done in the past, we have found holes in programs from before someone is a member to the point where they are president of your organization that fundraising could have been a higher priority. Come hear more about how your program may be missing pieces! http://bit.ly/gastrat2014asae

Somewhere Between Nike and Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The most common type of resistance we encounter to starting something new is a fear of it not working out, or people opposing the idea.

Here's the thing, no matter what it is:

- It's not going to be perfect 

- It's not going to be the ideal effort

- It's going to ruffle feathers

Here's the other thing:

It's exponentially better than doing nothing.

The key is you have to just try.

So how do you come away with a victory?

- Plan as best you can for most contingencies.

- Communicate about it.  A lot.

- Engage as many people as you can in the process (because they will bring others along).

- Make everyone feel like they are a critical part of the effort.

Last - remember back to "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and learn from Vic Damone's special five point plan -

"... Now three, act like wherever you are, that's the place to be, 'isn't this great?'"

After the fact, no one will remember the tiny detail that drove you nuts. No one will remember the complaining that led into the effort.

What they will remember is the attitude of the day - and then they will want to make it even better next time.

But again the key is you have to try.

Gut Check

Listen, what you are doing is important. It's needed. It's wanted. It will make the world a better place.

That said, your actions and paths are not above reproach. 

The Orange County Weekly (http://www.ocweekly.com) just put out an interesting article highlighting a well regarded public affairs firm who's actions and optics cast doubt on many many things.

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/10/larry_agran_irvine_great_park_moxley_confidential.php

Forde & Mollrich (http://fordeandmollrich.com) were given:

- A no bid contract (in and of themselves these are not bad and serve a very distinct purpose)

- To work on public relations & affairs (an increasingly essential part of any project)

- For a park (re use of a Marine base) (http://www.ocgp.org)

- That would rival Central Park (http://www.centralpark.com) in New York and Balboa Park (http://www.balboapark.org) in San Diego (now you can imagine the kind of promotion and support something of that magnitude could need)

- for $100,000 a month (yes very high, but a world class development needs world class resources, which Forde & Molrich could provide)

Here's the problem. $200 million has been spent to date and there isn't much of anything to see, visit, or enjoy.  The park is marginally more impressive than an average municipal park - only becaue it has a hot air balloon that you can ride - for a fee.

Yet the New York Times just did a piece on Forde's new home (http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/greathomesanddestinations/where-shall-we-park-the-art.html).  Naturally it is lavish, and well deserved I'm sure after a lifetime of work.

But read the article in the weekly, see all the things that the Times reporter missed... And ask yourself.

Even IF everything you did was right, deserved, and ethical...

What are the optics of it all, and what could those perceptions do the next time you wanted to move forward on something?

Doing a guy check now and then might just be your best move.

San Diego's Balboa Park Botanical Gardens

Loeb Boathouse in New York's Central Park

The Orange County Great Park's Balloon

Forde's ironic conceptual art piece as you enter his home...

Win One Step at a Time

This morning, Politico (http://www.politico.com) has an interesting piece examining how Republicans lost the culture war.

http://politi.co/1p4RR7Q

Without getting into the issues themselves, it highlights a problem many organizations face on a daily basis. Leadership who wants to either stalwartly stand one way, or wants to pursue an "eat the elephant all at once" approach to an issue.

In either case, you're gonna lose.

You can have the might of reason, the people, and even the almighty on high on your side. However if you don't do a few simple things you will lose everytime.

1) Keep your message simple and understandable to all

2) As times change, your position may not need to change, but your priorities and message definitely will

3) Understand not just today's audience, but the ones coming up, make sure your message is one that translates

4) You can win incrementally and eventually achieve your ultimate goals

5) Know when you've gone too far, and reassess how you'll succeed moving forward (in other words, go back to #3)

Regardless of the issue, people believe they evolve. If you, your organization, your positions do not evolve as well, then you are seen as either stagnant or out of touch. 

Either perception is one you don't want to have...

Consider Your Sources...

This is Leslie Appleton Young. Chief Economist for the California Association of REALTORS(R).

She is one of the most brilliant economists in the country, and her statistics have been consistently spot on every year for as long as I can remember.

Well respected, sought after, and flat out amazing person to get to know.

This is the person sitting next to me.

She... Is not an economist.  However she explained to me that she knows EXACTLY what is going to happen in the economy next year, and specifically in the housing industry. She's got the best source you see - Conservative Talk Radio.

"The get their information straight from the fed guy Greenspan."

Not Yellen... Not even Bernanke... Greenspan.  The fed guy.

So she knows EXACTLY what is going on as you can clearly see.

Now Greenspan, Bernanke and Yellen are all great sources of economic information. Conservative talk radio is great for finding out some issues you may not be aware of otherwise.  However neither can be considered authorities on California Housing Data.  Leslie Appleton Young is.

My point is this- make sure the people you are getting to work on your issue are getting their information from the RIGHT people.  And hopefully they know a little more than... This lady.

For the record she left this presentation early about 5 minutes ago. Presumably to tailgate before her favorite talk show that comes on at 3pm PST.

Early voting is starting

Fall is just starting (well everywhere else besides Southern California it is) which means only one thing to us political nerds.

Early voting is starting.

Yeah I know World Series, college football conference play and pre season hockey are important too. But right now I want to focus on elections.

Basic reason is this - 

http://youtu.be/fmX04EztiTE

Jimmy Kimmel gave us the best reason possible why you need to get your colleagues, members, friends... Basically anyone we can to vote.

Because those people have the SAME vote you do. And from the looks of it they may just stumble upon a precinct after leaving Taco Bell.

So let's get the voting started!

In ways that only dc can

I can't even tell you a ballpark of how often I've been to DC. Not just because I lived there for a while, but because it is one of those cities that draws you back.

And let me give you who live there a little context.

- Potomac fever is real. It hits every March-April. Even after a decade of being gone.

- I still quietly smile as people who go there tell me about all the "politicians" they saw eating at Old Ebbits.

- I still get pissed off when someone tells me the motorcade is coming because it's going to ruin traffic all day. (Although we have that same reaction in LA).

Still I am en route home and can't wait to get back at the end of the month to speak at ASAE (http://www.asaenet.org) government affairs conference.

There is just something about dc.

So somewhere between giving directions to the Washington Monument to a tourist (it's literally the only building you can see everywhere, how do they get lost?), listening to someone talk about yet another friend moving "back home" , or trying to convince yourself that you can get decent chinese or mexican food (no you can't, you're just lying to yourself) - take the time to appreciate the absolute magnanimity of the town you reluctantly love to call home. 

After all, it oversees a $17 trillion economy... Take that NY!

Washington D.C. & the Public Affairs Council

This week the GA Strategies team is speaking at the Public Affairs Council Conference on State and Local Government Affairs. 

We are excited to share our years of experience helping associations and organizations develop strategic plans for government affairs.

Our focus is simple:

- Develop your agenda
- Design a path to success
- Coordinate with allies
- Execute your plan

It seems simple because it is, but you'd be surprised how many organizations address issues with the government like a fire department - responding to emergencies.

A coordinated plan keeps you sane... and it also keeps everyone on track and not easily distracted.

You also get the added benefit of making your case that much easier to volunteers and coalitions.

If you want to know more about strategic planning for government affairs, please let us know!

Not all plans are the same...

This week we met with an organization in Big Bear California.  There they have some unique issues:

- They deal with all the normal government entities - Fed, State, County, Local.
- They also deal with the National Forest, California Department of Forestry, and similar entities
- They have US Dept of fish and game regulating a great deal of land uses around the area as well
- They have to contend with a very seasonal business model that is tourism heavy, and reliant on water.

Oh, and its in a drought... You can only imagine how that bodes for snow making needs.

The waters have started to drain in this beautiful lake area as Southern California needs more and more water.

Boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, campaign, cabin rentals.  Big bear truly has outdoor activities for everyone.  However most of these activities rely on the use of water in some format...

 Leaving many of these beautiful homes and resorts needing additional resources to attract tourists, property owners, investors, businesses, and the like.

The businesses and residents are trying to address these needs in various ways.  And some are successful, but they are needing new opportunities to bring in tourists, visitors and outdoor recreationalists everywhere.

 Obviously the area is still as gorgeous as ever, but the question remains... how long can it sustain without the necessary water to attract visitors?

What's more, what can people do to be better educated about ways in which they can reduce their use and impact on the environment in a way that can support more people getting to visit this beautiful area?

 Sure.  The views are great from everywhere.  The skiing is undoubtedly the best you can find within 2 hours of Los Angeles - or honestly any major city for that matter.  The boating is great.  The town is incredible, it truly is idilic.

However they needed some direction.

So we worked with them, planned out some suggestions, and helped find where potential coalitions and efforts could work together to help raise awareness and implement programs that will benefit the entire area.  Also they are designed to bring in more engagement from the property owners and investors on these issues.  Making sure that as they develop their efforts, they will see success.

Sometimes its as simple as that.  Just finding the right connections to make your strategy work.

So what do you need to make it happen?

- An understanding of what you are facing
- Leadership to think of solutions
- Vision for what you could be
- Commitment to the future.

And then making your way down the mountain seems a relatively simple path... and sometimes there's a waterslide too!