Civic Cocktail with Seattle CityClub – State of Our Democracy – Part 1: Next Steps for Republican Party

What’s ahead for Republicans, Democrats and independents when it comes to civics in our country and community? How can we work together when parties are often divided themselves? This February Civic Cocktail is the first of what we intend to be a multi-part, multi-party series. This virtual program explores a few – but certainly not all – of the varying viewpoints within the Republican Party.

With the national election behind us, we start by exploring some of the next steps for the Republican Party. After the departure of a one-term president who commanded a deeply loyal following among a large number of Republicans, as well as challenged a number of others, the party is left without a clear, national standard bearer. Will the Republicans maintain a cohesive theme to unite the diverse perspectives within their ranks nationally? What is the local impact and future of the Party here in Washington?

Host, Joni Balter, will discuss what can be expected with Bill Bryant, former Republican candidate for Washington State Governor, and Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project on Monday, February 8, at 6pm PST. This is the first of what is intended to be a multi-part, multi-party series.

• Bill Bryant is the founder and chairman of Bryant Christie Inc., a twice-elected King County Port Commissioner, and was the Trade Policy Coordinator at DOC International Trade Commission under President Reagan.
• Rick Wilson is a seasoned Republican political strategist, frequent political commentator, and New York Times bestselling author.
• Joni Balter is an editorial advisor for KCTS 9, regular guest on KUOW, and professional-in-residence at Seattle University