Richard Arenberg, Visiting Lecturer in Political Science and Public Policy, at Brown University, appeared on GoLocal LIVE where he spoke to his role on the Watson Institute's panel discussion, "Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country?"
Arenberg, who spent more than thirty-four years on Capitol Hill in senior staff positions with Majority Leader Senator George Mitchell and Senators Carl Levin and Paul Tsongas and has significant experience in intelligence matters, Congressional history, procedure, rules and protocol, and the role and impact of Congress on public policy, spoke to the diminishing role of moderate members of Congress -- and the Senate in particular -- and why members have no incentive to "work across the aisle."
Arenberg also spoke to his predictions for the 2018 midterm elections -- and whether or not he believes the "broken" Senate can be fixed.
When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
Next year, in November of 2018, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election?
Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Recently, a proposal has been made to permit the issuance of $81 million in bonds by the State to build a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox. If there was an election today on this issue, would you vote to approve or reject issuing $81 million in financing supported moral obligation bonds to build the stadium?
The next question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?