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A collection of stories about data, public opinion and politics and news about our firm.


Pope Francis on crises and conflicts
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

Pope Francis on crises and conflicts

It’s not often you get to look with fresh eyes on words that shape our politics and humanity. That was our experience in reading the late Pope Francis’s reflections on “crisis” and “conflict.” We use these words interchangeably, but Francis draws a sharp distinction. In his view—a view that knocked us back—crisis is a necessary thing, vital to individuals, institutions and societies. Conflict, on the other hand, fractures reality. It closes us off, forces us to pick sides, to seek blame.

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Storytelling wins elections
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

Storytelling wins elections

Successful campaigns define clear, emotionally resonant narratives. For Republicans, cultural grievance and preserving the status quo were central themes. These narratives tapped into fear and frustration with societal and economic change.

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AI and the Pursuit of Ethical Clarity
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

AI and the Pursuit of Ethical Clarity

Some may still argue that such lofty concepts are inconsistent with the fast pace of AI development and a highly competitive market environment. That it’s too much to ask of highly competitive companies in a fight for talent and market share; their leaders do not have time for abstraction and existential thinking.

In response, I would suggest the incongruous Jesuit watchword of “contemplative action” as a guiding principle. Discerning leaders engage their intellects as they go about doing their work, even when crises press upon them. It’s a high bar to set—Kennedy level leadership—but the challenge of artificial intelligence demands it.

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How Good is Your Eye? Discernment in Politics
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

How Good is Your Eye? Discernment in Politics

While discernment originates from a spiritual context, it applies to other areas, especially politics. And that’s why assessing a political leader’s ability to discern—how good is her eye?—can help us better understand the thought process that sets apart our most skilled politicians.

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The Power of an Apology
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

The Power of an Apology

The New York City Transit Authority used to punctuate subway delays with an automated announcement telling riders, "we apologize for this unavoidable delay." It was an excuse masquerading as an apology, and an unintentional reminder of the low quality of service riders should expect.

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A New Era for American Energy
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

A New Era for American Energy

The goal of the Permian Energy Development Lab, which launched last month, is to speed up the development of advanced, clean energy systems, educate the next generation of energy professionals and support energy-intensive communities and the natural resources they depend on.

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The Why of the Midterms — and What's to Come
Communications Andrew Sullivan Communications Andrew Sullivan

The Why of the Midterms — and What's to Come

We wrote last summer that while Roe v. Wade might not have been settled law, it was indeed settled public opinion, with decades of broad and stable support. Admittedly, we took a wait-and-see attitude on the impact of the Dobbs decision on the midterms, but as devotees of behavioral economists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, we should have known better.

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