PBS Books hosted a series of conversations with current and former Governors’ of the western states where they discussed the importance of getting involved in public service, the challenges and triumphs of the next generation of policy makers, the bipartisanship keys to success championed by the Western Governors’ Association and how that model could serve as a blueprint for restoring civil political discourse in the West and across our country.
The Exploring Bipartisanship Series was created by PBS Books and the Bipartisan Leadership Project to amplify the voices of those working towards finding common ground to build bipartisan solutions.
The Exploring Bipartisanship: Conversations with Western Governors, created in partnership with the Western Governors’ Association and Western Governors’ University, showcase how a commitment to bipartisanship shaped the careers of several current and former members of the WGA, its importance to the national political environment, and how the next generation of leaders can rekindle this country’s spirit of cooperation.
Video Gallery
Why Choose a Career in Public Service? | Western Governors Leadership Institute Delegate Forum
Featuring:Jack Waldorf (Exec. Dir., WGA), David Ige (D), Matt Mead (R), Bian Sandoval (R), Judy Woodruff (PBS Newshour), Butch Otter (R), Steve Bullock (D) & Gary Herbert (R)
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
The Western Governors’ Leadership Institute hosted a form featuring 8 panelists: Jack Waldorf (Exec. Dir., WGA), David Ige (D), Matt Mead (R), Bian Sandoval (R), Judy Woodruff (PBS Newshour), Butch Otter (R), Steve Bullock (D) & Gary Herbert (R), to provide a diverse perspective on choosing a career in public service and lessons learned along the way.
How Working Across the Aisle Gets Things Done | with Governors Grisham and Gordon
Featuring: Governor Mark Gordon (R), Wyoming & WGA 2023-24 Chair and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico & WGA 2024-25 Chair
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Governor Mark Gordon (R), Wyoming & WGA 2023-24 Chair and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico & WGA 2024-25 Chair to discuss the paths that led them to a life in public service, the role respect plays in the political landscape, and the important role civil discourse needs to play in our political future.
Why the Next Generation Should Get Involved in Politics | with Former Governors Otter and Ige
Featuring: Former Governors Butch Otter (R), Idaho & David Ige (D), Hawaii
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Former Governors Butch Otter (R), Idaho & David Ige (D), Hawaii, discuss the importance for the next generation to get involved in public service and why they are the key for lasting bipartisanship change for the future.
Try Engaging in Politics, Even if You Don’t Want To | with Former Governor Gary Herbert
Featuring: Former Governor Gary Herbert (R), Utah
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Former Governor Gary Herbert (R), Utah, discusses the importance for the next generation to get involved in public service and why they are the key for lasting bipartisanship change for the future.
How to Work with Others While Staying True to Your Values | with Former Governors Mead and Bullock
Featuring: Former Governors Matt Mead (R), Wyoming and Steve Bullock (D), Montana
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Former Gov. Matt Mead (R), Wyoming and Former Gov. Steve Bullock (D), Montana, discuss the importance of leading by example to ensure bipartisanship solutions are fostered without compromising the morals, ethics, or values that are the foundational rights of the citizens of our nation.
How Political Leaders Can Support the Next Generation | with Former Governors Sandoval and Miller
Featuring: Brian Sandoval (R), Nevada & Former Gov. Bob Miller (D), Nevada
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Former Gov. Brian Sandoval (R), Nevada & Former Gov. Bob Miller (D), Nevada, talk on the importance of fostering the next generation of leaders regardless of party affiliation and why it is crucial that leaders offer support and guidance for a better future.
Why Young People Aren’t Interested in Politics | WGA Leadership Institute Delegates
Featuring: Jim Ogsbury, President of the Western Governors’ Foundation, and WGLI Delegates, Isaiah Torres, New Mexico and former WGLI delegate, David C. Saavedra
Presenting Partners: Bipartisan Leadership Project, Western Governors’ Association & Western Governors’ University
Jim Ogsbury, President of the Western Governors’ Foundation, sits down with Current WGLI Delegate, Isaiah Torres, New Mexico and former WGLI delegate, David C. Saavedra, to understand the reluctance of the next generations to devote their lives to public service, new ways people are choosing to consume information, and the hopes for change in the future.
Featured Guests
Jack Waldorf, Executive Director, Western Governors’ Association
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico & WGA 2024-25 Chair
Governor Mark Gordon (R), Wyoming & WGA 2023-24 Chair
Former Governor Butch Otter (R), Idaho
Former Governor David Ige (D), Hawaii
Former Governor Gary Herbert (R), Utah
Former Governor Matt Mead (R), Wyoming
Former Governor Steve Bullock (D), Montana
Former Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Nevada
Former Governor Bob Miller (D), Nevada
Jim Ogsbury, President of the Western Governors’ Foundation
Isaiah Torres, WGLI Delegate, New Mexico
David C. Saavedra, Former WGLI Delegate
