News & views.
A collection of stories about data, public opinion and politics and news about our firm.
Florence Nightingale, Visual Storyteller
A new book on Florence Nightingale reveals how the 19th century nurse, social reformer and statistician made the case for health reforms in the British Army. Author RJ Andrews describes how Nightingale "designed graphics to attract attention and engage readers in ways other media could not."
Axios and the Business of Shallow Thinking
Axios is not the cause of our distracted mindset, but they have built a business upon it. In pushing us toward facile summaries, Axios weakens our ability to make the tough tradeoffs complexity requires.
Listening Matters
A civic engagement group called NYC Speaks conducted this spring what may be the most extensive policy survey in New York City history. It's an inspired effort to lead by first understanding what people care and worry about, and we hope other public leaders take note.
Progressive DAs and a San Francisco Misread
The ever-incisive reporter and political strategist Gil Duran points out that Boudin was a scapegoat for a complex set of problems cities across the country are confronting. His recall reflects San Franciscans' anger over homelessness, mental illness and visible poverty – but not their opposition to justice system reform.
A Rare Opportunity for Bipartisan Action
We're proud to help lead a growing, bipartisan campaign to reform the industry in the interest of public health, the environment and job creation. Reach out if you're interested in learning about the strange bedfellows strategy at the heart of the effort.
How Business Leaders Can Navigate Roe and Other Matters
Our view is simple: when you see a gap between public opinion and government action – even when the gap is not as stark as the below graphic – step into that void. That's a safe space to raise your voice.
The Stark Gap Between the Supreme Court and the American Public on Abortion
The vast gap between the two positions points to a Republican position on abortion that is not just out of step with public opinion, it’s diametrically opposed to it.
Communicating in a Time Like No Other
We’ve compiled a checklist of questions for engaging the public in our present, chaotic era.
An Antidote to Misinformation
One insidious aspect of misinformation is that it makes it harder for society to deal with already-tough problems.
Political Overreach and the Virginia Governor's Race
Overreach. A phenomenon so predictable it should be considered a physical law of politics. What causes it? One common factor is misreading election results.
Peloton and the Power of Asking Questions
To understand someone's values and priorities, you have to ask the right questions.
Our Latest Favorite Podcasts
Podcasting's golden age has continued through the pandemic. Seventy-eight percent of Americans are familiar with podcasting – up from 22 percent in 2006 – and more than 40 percent of Americans report having listened to a podcast in the past month.
New Jersey pollster: Maybe it's time to get rid of election polls
As a firm that puts research at the center of everything we do, we have occasionally surprised clients and friends by arguing for an end to public horse race polling.
Americans agree to disagree
The Pew Research Center has released an update to its political typology study, a long-running effort to define distinct groups within the American electorate.
Four more years for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell
It affirms one's belief in democracy when voters reward public officials for leading with character and making decisions without regard for political cost. Such is the case for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who was re-elected last month with a solid 65 percent of the vote.
A West Texas Roadmap for Mitigating the Impacts of Energy Development
If Americans are going to make a dent in reducing carbon emissions — and polling suggests they want to — they are going to have to grapple with the tradeoffs required. An effort in West Texas offers a roadmap for helping people work through the issues.
The New York City Mayor's Race and Ranked Choice Chaos
It's been more than two weeks since New York City Democrats voted for mayor, but only last night did the AP called the primary election for Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. We are very proud to have worked for Ray McGuire, the business leader turned candidate who put jobs and the city's economy at the center of the public debate.
A Healthy Democracy Should Reward Tough Calls
Consider as a counterpoint Liz Cheney, ousted by her peers from a Republican leadership role in the House of Representatives. We will be watching her re-election with a keen eye, hoping Wyoming voters reward her tough call and leadership.
2024 and the Essence of President Biden
A great deal has been made of how difficult it will be for Trump wannabes like Senator Tom Cotton or former Governor Nikki Haley to energize Republicans the way the former president did in 2016 and 2020. Less attention has been paid to President Biden and the winning coalition he built last year. That should change.