Fiscal Thursdays at 2012 National Conventions
Sep 11, 2012
In an effort to foster greater discussion on the nation's long-term fiscal challenges during the 2012 election campaign season, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in partnership with Bloomberg LP, sponsored "Fiscal Thursday" at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Held at a critical moment during the campaign, and amid growing concern about the economic consequences of the impending "fiscal cliff," "Fiscal Thursday" brought together policy experts and political, business, and civic leaders to discuss the implications of America's fiscal challenges for the economy and the election.
Fiscal Thursday Opening Video
Video shown on-site during the Peter G. Peterson Foundation/Bloomberg LP "Fiscal Thursday" panel events at the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Fiscal Thursday at the Republican National Convention
Policy Breakfast: Taking Action On Our Fiscal Challenges
On Thursday, August 30th, 2012, top policymakers and the influencers they listen to were on hand to discuss the consequences and costs of America's national debt, and discuss and debate pragmatic solutions. This panel also examined how the public might be better educated about the debt, and how public pressure might break the partisan fiscal logjam in Washington.
Participants:
- Michael Peterson, President and COO, Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Elaine Chao, Fellow, Heritage Foundation; former Secretary of Labor
- Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President, American Action Forum
- Vin Weber, former Congressmember
- Lanhee Chen, Policy Director, Romney Campaign
- Peter Cook, Chief Washington Correspondent, Bloomberg TV
Leadership Luncheon: The Economy and the Debt Debate
What impact does rising national debt have on business growth and innovation? Can business executives and other private sector leaders do more to draw attention to the issues and offer pragmatic solutions? Former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez joins Bloomberg's Robert Litan for a discussion moderated by Josh Tyrangiel.
Participants:
- Michael Peterson, President and COO, Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Jonathan Burks, Romney Campaign Deputy Policy Director
- Carlos Gutierrez, Vice Chairman, Citigroup, Former Secretary of Commerce
- Robert Litan, Research Director, Bloomberg Government
- Josh Tyrangiel, Editor in Chief, Bloomberg Businessweek
Fiscal Thursday at the Democratic National Convention
Policy Breakfast: Taking Action On Our Fiscal Challenges
On Thursday, September 6th, 2012, top policymakers and the influencers they listen to were on hand to discuss the consequences and costs of America's national debt, and discuss and debate pragmatic solutions. This panel also examined how the public might be better educated about the debt, and how public pressure might break the partisan fiscal logjam in Washington.
Participants:
- Michael Peterson, President and COO, Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Senator Richard Durbin(D-IL), Assistant Majority Leader
- Robert Rubin, Co-Chairman, Council on Foreign Relations; former Secretary of the Treasury
- Bill Daley, former White House Chief of Staff; former Secretary of Commerce
- John Podesta, Chair and Counselor, Center for American Progress; Visiting Professor, Georgetown University Law Center
- The Hon. Gene Sperling
- Julianna Goldman, White House Correspondent, Bloomberg News
Leadership Luncheon: The Economy and the Debt Debate
State and local political leaders discussed how the national debt impacts all levels of government and society. Moderated by Julianna Goldman, White House Correspondent for Bloomberg News.
Participants:
- Michael Peterson, President and COO, Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
- Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia (D)
- Gina Raimondo, State Treasurer, Rhode Island (D)
- Julianna Goldman, White House Correspondent, Bloomberg News