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“Democracy Is Always Fragile & Always Close to Collapse – It’s A Human Endeavor”

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Episodes

Episode 1: “Never Questioned, Now Crucial: The Integrity Of Our Elections”

The inaugural episode features a candid conversation with former Congressman and House Majority Leader Richard “Dick” Gephardt. He reveals that before the 2020 election he never was worried about the state of American democracy, “I ran for Congress 14 times, and it never crossed my mind in all those elections that the election would not be fair and honest.”

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Episode 2: “Democracy 101; The Power of Civic Education”

Governor Corbett’s participation in the KOR podcast offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our democracy. His unwavering commitment to public service and his insights into the complexities of election administration based on his experience in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are truly invaluable as we prepare for the 2024 election cycle.

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Episode 3: Diplomacy Unveiled: An Ambassador's Journey

Join us in this illuminating episode as we sit down with Ambassador Deborah McCarthy, a distinguished diplomat with a career spanning across continents. With a background that includes pivotal roles both behind the scenes with organizations like Keep Our Republic and representing the United States in numerous countries, Ambassador McCarthy brings a unique perspective to the world of diplomacy.

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Episode 4: Lessons from the Bench: Insights from Judge Cindrich

In this episode, join the If We Can Keep It podcast as we delve into the remarkable life and insights of Judge Bob Cindrich, a distinguished figure whose journey from a coal mining town to the courtroom illuminates the values of public service and unwavering dedication to justice. Judge Cindrich shares his experiences, from serving as a public defender to his tenure on the bench, providing a firsthand account of the evolution of the judiciary’s role in American politics. Join us as we explore Judge Cindrich’s journey and the enduring legacy of his commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of a just and fair society.

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Episode 5: In the Courtroom and Beyond: U.S. Attorneys Making a Difference

Step into the legal arena with host Ari Mittleman on the latest episode of If We Can Keep It, where he sits down with esteemed guests John Vaudreuil and David Hickton in a riveting conversation titled “In the Courtroom and Beyond: U.S. Attorneys Making a Difference.” In this episode, we explore the compelling journey that led John and David into the legal profession, particularly focusing on their impactful roles as U.S. attorneys. From the challenges of a bustling family life to the profound impact U.S. attorneys have on communities, we delve into a comprehensive and sincere exploration of the individuals shaping justice in and out of the courtroom. Don’t miss this engaging episode that highlights the meaningful contributions of U.S. attorneys and provides valuable insights into the complexities of the legal landscape, perfect for aspiring lawyers and curious minds alike.

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Episode 6: Challenges and Triumphs: Kathy Bernier's Mission to Educate and Unite

In this compelling episode of If We Can Keep It, join host Ari Mittleman as he delves into the political journey of Kathy Bernier, an influential figure in Wisconsin’s electoral landscape. From her start as a county clerk witnessing electoral disarray to triumphs in the state assembly and senate, Kathy shares the challenges and motivations that led her to the forefront of the Republican party. Explore her unexpected legislative battles, including championing the rights of the Amish community, and hear firsthand accounts of navigating the intricacies of Wisconsin’s diverse districts. The episode unfolds with a candid discussion on the dramatic events of 2020, highlighting Kathy’s unwavering commitment to election integrity despite facing internal party opposition. Discover how Kathy Bernier, through her collaboration with Keep Our Republic, strives to educate and unite Americans on the importance of understanding and respecting the electoral process, emphasizing the need for unity in these politically charged times.

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Episode 7: Strengthening Democracy in the Motor City: Ken Cockrel's Call to Action

In this compelling episode of Keep Our Republic’s If We Can Keep It podcast, join host Ari Mittleman in a riveting conversation with Detroit’s seasoned public servant, Ken Cockrel, Jr. As the former President of the Detroit City Council, Ken shares his invaluable insights into the political landscape of the Motor City, reflecting on its transformative journey and the challenges faced in recent elections. With a keen eye on strengthening democracy, Cockrel issues a powerful call to action for residents of Detroit and Michiganders alike. From voter confidence councils to lessons learned from past elections, discover the vital steps needed to fortify democracy in Detroit and beyond in this engaging episode.

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Season 2 Episode 1: From the Bullpen to Air Force One: The Value of a Free Press with Margaret Talev

In Season 2, Keep Our Republic’s If We Can Keep It podcast is sitting down with exceptional journalists from around the country. Join host Ari Mittleman as we hear from the nation’s top political correspondents about the state of news in America, and how it affects our elections, voter trust, political violence, and more ripped-from-the-headlines topics at the center of Keep Our Republic’s mission. In this first episode, Ari sits down with Margaret Talev, director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship at Syracuse University. Margaret shares entertaining and engaging insights from her 30 years in political journalism, from the local newsroom in Tampa, to covering the Obama and Trump administrations, and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign as a White House correspondent. We dive deep on why a free press is so critical to the health of the Republic, and how to reverse the trend of tribalization dominating our political discourse.

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Season 2 Episode 3: Washington Post’s Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Arizona’s Election Preparations

In this episode, Ari sits down with Government Reporter Kate Huangpu from Spotlight PA. We’re diving deep into Kate’s recent article investigating what four election officials across the state candidly said about the upcoming election. What do our local election officials really need to prepare for 2024? And is Harrisburg willing to do what it takes to give them what the need? Kate breaks down key takeaways from her report, plus her own insights into the state of elections in Pennsylvania in this informative and entertaining interview.

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Season 2 Episode 3: Washington Post’s Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Arizona’s Election Preparations

In episode 3, Ari chats with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez,Washington Post democracy reporter who tracks voting issues in her home state of Arizona.  Yvonne and Ari discuss key issues affecting voters and election officials as the Grand Canyon State prepares for what is already another tumultuous election season. What can other states learn from how a deeply divided Arizona has met these challenges? Find out in this engaging and thought-provoking episode of If We Can Keep It.

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Season 2 Episode 4: Battleground Wisconsin With The Guardian's Alice Herman

Keep Our Republic’s podcast, If We Can Keep It, continues with Episode 4. Executive Director and host, Ari Mittleman, sat down with Alice Herman, a politics and democracy reporter for The Guardian. Alice discusses elections information, curing ballots and covering the ‘purplest state’ as a journalist who now works in her home state of Wisconsin.

Read Alice Herman’s Wisconsin coverage, here. 

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Ari Mittleman

Meet Your Host

Ari Mittleman serves as the Executive Director of Keep Our Republic. He is a native of Pennsylvania, but resides in suburban Maryland.

Introducing: If We Can Keep It

If We Can Keep It isn’t just a forum for intellectual discussions — it’s a catalyst for real solutions.