In June of 2012, President Clinton hosted the second convening of CGI America, an annual event focused on finding solutions that promote economic recovery in the United States. This working meeting brought together leaders from the business, foundation, NGO, and government sectors to develop solutions that address unemployment, prepare Americans to be competitive global citizens, and rethink current models that shape our economy and society.
At present, I believe there is an opportunity to expand this initiative with the active participation of the (second) Obama Administration to make this a public/private and powerfully synergistic partnership.
More over the fold.
There's been talk among the pundit class of President Obama being somewhat narrow in the presentation of a second term agenda. While the president has talked about adding classroom teachers, manufacturing and infrastructure jobs, he has in fact been somewhat slim on specifics.
The problem is that when specifics are laid out, the president is opened up to the charges of advocating for "Big Government," "Tax and Spend" policies and open moaning and wailing (crocodile tears) about the exploding deficit.
Now, I believe that presenting a populist, full-steam ahead vision is the way to go, but the president's campaign wants to play it a bit closer to the vest and they do after all have a good record of getting their candidate elected president.
And that's where something like an expanded Clinton Global Initiative - America comes into play, not just as a means to promote economic recovery in America, but to take on the larger vision of promoting economic opportunity in America.
The new found partnership between the presidents (42 and 44) presents an opportunity to get the uniquely qualified and very popular ex-president involved in the process of pulling all parts of the nation's power players together to promote the economic well-being of the Nation in some very concrete ways.
While there will be some funding made available in the next few years from ending some of the tax breaks for the wealthy, winding down the current war, the savings from the ACA coming on board, and hopefully from a growing economy, money is still be projected to be tight. And of course, as always there is Republican opposition.
But public/private partnership is something they have a lot of trouble disagreeing with or trying to block. And this is even more the case when presented by the likes of Bill Clinton, who is so good at re-framing Right/Left debates into right/wrong debates.
And just think of the wonderful visions of economic patriotism and the nobility of public service that could be overlaid into an agenda that includes the private sector in this manner. And President Clinton has a proven track record of producing tremendous results in this manner through his Foundation.
Would the former president get on board with this approach. I believe that he'd jump at such an opportunity, and do so on a voluntary basis. And what a great spot for the soon-to-be ex-Secretary of State to show off her unique talents while she considers a 2016 run for the White House.
If this approach makes sense to you, let me know and perhaps I can send it off to the OFA for consideration.
Or maybe someone reading this diary is well-connected in those circles. If that's the case I grant permission to send it along in the most expedient way possible.