Topic: Politics

President Obama has sent a powerful message to the American public since taking office: Social innovation can play an important role in rebuilding a stronger country. With the passage of stimulus packages in areas such as clean energy, national service, and climate change, it's clear that the White House is approaching national challenges in new ways. In this panel, hosted by Full Circle Fund and sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, key staff in the Obama administration provide the broad outlines for these exciting changes.

Only 9 percent of the electorate thinks the U.S. Congress is doing a good job. Lawrence Lessig talks about the damage that arises from politicians focusing on raising funds to get themselves reelected. This constant attention to making money feeds the Washington 'economy of influence'. The morally destitute behavior, foretold by Thomas Jefferson in The Founders' Constitution, undermines the trust of the electorate in the institution of the government.

Four high-profile female political professionals discuss Hillary Clinton's candidacy for president in this panel discussion. They cover how her run for office affected the future of women in politics and the benefits and weaknesses of women in political leadership.

Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, James Joseph believes we must support those over 50 launching new careers later in life so they may continue to make significant contributions to society. In this Encore Career Summit talk, sponsored by the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford, Joseph reflects on what it takes to be a great leader in the second half of life. Using Nelson Mandela as a prototype, he reflects on how skills such as the ability to work with one's enemies are critical elements of the mature leader.

From investment to football to soap operas to jobs, learn how culture can be a force for good in the world. In this Skoll World Forum discussion, social entrepreneurs share their experiences and insights into using culture and media as tools for conflict resolution.

How can the United States and the world benefit from the work of people who have been dedicated to social change over the last 30 years? What can those with the most diverse array of backgrounds and careers do to impact social, economic, and political policy, particularly in this unprecedented era of new political leadership? In this panel from the 2008 Encore Careers Summit, activist leaders from the women's, civil rights, and environmental movements discuss how we can reinvent this country by drawing on lessons from the past.

What does the ability to resist marshmallows have in common with a successful life? David Brooks of the New York Times gives a fascinating talk about neuroscience and sociology, what these seemingly disjointed topics have in common, and why he feels that these topics are important. He explores why some people succeed, and why some people don't, and how success fits into the transformation from a global, physical economy to a global, human-capital economy.

Asia Society President Vishakha N. Desai interviews Nobel Prize winning economist and globalization "rockstar" Joseph Stiglitz. The conversation focuses on his new concept of economics, "The Economics of Information," and his latest book, "Making Globalization Work". In this fascinating in-depth interview, Stiglitz discusses intellectual property rights, the shifting global balance of power, challenges facing Africa, and much more.

As the 2008 campaign season ends, independent producer Katie Ball discusses how intolerance still exists, even with the election of an African-American President. She discusses a lemonade stand in Florida where the homeowners covered up their John McCain signs to avoid offending anyone. Her commentary reflects on political prejudices within a battleground state and within her own heart.

How are young adults dealing with the issues of elections and government? Are they more or less likely to vote? As a part of the first post-September 11th generation, their opinions and actions are thought-provoking. Amina Al-Sadi, a college freshman, is featured in an excerpt from a public radio special produced by and for teenagers.