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All Interviews

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Norman Ornstein

Political Scientist

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Charles Stillman

Retired Defense Attorney

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Milton Sipp 

Head of Middle School at Riverdale and 7th Grade History Teacher

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Vanessa Aronson

Past New York City Council candidate and current candidate for New York State Assembly 

Lance Gelman

Retired Immigration Lawyer

Explore by theme 

Each interview offers a unique perspective on civic life, but several powerful themes surfaced across all five conversations. Browse clips organized by topic to hear how leaders from education, government, law, and community organizations approach questions about youth involvement, media literacy, polarization, fairness, and civic responsibility. Comparing these perspectives reveals both the diversity of their experiences and the common values that connect them.

1. Youth Involvement —"Get in the front of the line"

Milton Sipp, Education

Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics

Norman Ornstein, Elections

Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice

Lance Gelman, Immigration

2. Media Literacy & the "Pause Button" — Question Everything Before You Believe It

Milton Sipp, Education

Norman Ornstein, Elections

 3. Division, Polarization & the Need for Real Conversation

Lance Gelman, Immigration

Milton Sipp, Education

Norman Ornstein, Elections

Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice

4. Fairness, Equity & Who the System Actually Serves

Milton Sipp, Education

Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice

Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics

Norman Ornstein, Elections

5. It's Complicated — Holding Two Ideas at Once

Milton Sipp, Education

Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics

Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice

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