Welcome to “Back in Session,” a podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time. Join our hosts, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara from Duane Morris Government Strategies, as they engage a diverse range of guests to bring you behind the scenes of the legislative process.
Whether you are a policy wonk looking to dive into recent legislative developments, or a curious citizen interested in getting to learn more about the issues in your state and beyond, “Back in Session” is the podcast for you. Each episode offers fresh perspectives, shedding light on challenges and opportunities that shape policy landscapes in states around the country.
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Ever wondered what goes into organizing a U.S. presidential debate? In this episode of Back in Session, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Jean Cantrell and Dan Felton, who have served as members of the ‘Ticketing Team’ with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), to uncover the complexities behind the scenes. From selecting venues to ticketing logistics, discover the intricate planning that shapes these historic events. Plus, learn about memorable moments from past debates, the role of students in the process, and some of the most unusual challenges, like Kid Rock and mask enforcement during the 2020 debate! Perfect timing with the 2024 election around the corner—don’t miss this insider’s take!
About Jean Cantrell:
As a seasoned government relations professional, State and Federal Communications, Inc., was thrilled to bring on Jean Cantrell as the company’s first senior advisor in January, 2022, with a particular focus on stakeholder management. She has been a volunteer with the Commission on Presidential Debates since 1988 and worked with the Commission to set up presidential debate watches on more than 500 college campuses. She has served in a number of leadership positions: President of both the Washington Area State Relations Group and the State Government Affairs Council, was Vice President of the NCSL Foundation, and co-chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Business Council.
About Dan Felton:
As AMERIPEN Executive Director, Dan can be contacted directly for comments and questions about AMERIPEN’s Board of Directors, finances and resources, association and industry leadership, coalition management, strategic planning, public policy positions, and conference and speaking requests Dan is currently staff liaison for their federal working group, Communications Committee and Compostables Work Group.
About the CPD:
The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) was established in 1987 to ensure, for the benefit of the American electorate, that general election debates between or among the leading candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States are a permanent part of the electoral process. CPD’s primary purpose is to sponsor and produce the quadrennial general election debates and to undertake research and educational activities relating to the debates. The organization, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) corporation, sponsored all of the presidential debates in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Learn more: https://www.debates.org/about-cpd/
Ever wondered what goes into organizing a U.S. presidential debate? In this episode of Back in Session, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Jean Cantrell and Dan Felton, who have served as members of the ‘Ticketing Team’ with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), to uncover the complexities behind the scenes. From selecting venues to ticketing logistics, discover the intricate planning that shapes these historic events. Plus, learn about memorable moments from past debates, the role of students in the process, and some of the most unusual challenges, like Kid Rock and mask enforcement during the 2020 debate! Perfect timing with the 2024 election around the corner—don’t miss this insider’s take!
Key Takeaways:
- The Origins of Modern Debates:The Ryans trace the evolution of debates, including the Lincoln-Douglas debates and the first televised Kennedy-Nixon face-off with some presidential debate trivia to kickoff the podcast.
- How Presidential Debates Are Planned: From venue selection to security and ticketing logistics, get a glimpse of how it all comes together.
- Moments That Shaped Elections: Unforgettable gaffes, body language mishaps, and how these moments shape public perception.
- International Influence: Learn how the Commission on Presidential Debates helps other countries establish debate traditions.
- Student Involvement: Students from host schools play a vital role in organizing and experiencing debates, creating unforgettable memories.
- The Role of Social Media: A reflection on how platforms like Twitter amplify debate moments, both serious and light-hearted (think Mike Pence’s fly!).
From The Experts
Expert insights from the authors at Duane Morris Government Strategies.
Ryan Stevens
This episode is a rare look behind the scenes of presidential debates. Jean and Dan’s decades of experience with the CPD give us incredible insights into the planning, logistics, and moments that shape history. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into making these debates happen, you won’t want to miss this.
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