U.S. Congressman

Congressman Tim Ryan

Congressman Tim Ryan

Former Democratic Congressman, Founder of We The People, Author of Healing America, and Opinion Writer for Newsweek

Congressman Tim Ryan has experienced the effects of divisive rhetoric and culture wars up close, having served as the representative for Ohio’s 13th district from 2003 to 2023. Despite Mahoning Valley, part of his district, shifting red in favor of former President Trump, Ryan, a Democrat, maintained strong support among his constituents, winning ten congressional races before stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate. Although he lost that tough race to J.D. Vance, who had aligned closely with Trump, Ryan’s success as a Democrat in a predominantly red state is a testament to his dynamic leadership in the House, his steadfast advocacy for working-class Americans, and his efforts to build bridges between Democrats and Republicans. “What he is in his own way — not my way — is he is trying to stand with the working class of Ohio — trying to stand with them and take on powerful special interests,” noted Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Nationally, Ryan became known for his positions on renewable energy, education reform, and mental health care. His forward-thinking approach earned him a reputation as a relatable and pragmatic leader who sought common ground and pursued practical solutions to complex challenges. After his political career, Ryan founded We The People, an advocacy group dedicated to fostering unity, reform, and reconciliation in American society and organizing voters frustrated with partisan politics. He also contributes as an opinion writer for Newsweek. Ryan’s tenure in Congress and his post-political efforts highlight his commitment to bridging divides and championing the needs of the working class, making him a notable figure in contemporary American politics. 


Former Congressman Tim Ryan participated as a panelist at The Common Good Town Hall: “Bridging America’s Divides” moderated by John Heilemann and co-panelists; Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Congressman David Jolly, George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, and Andrew Yang.

X: @TimRyan

Instagram: @TimryanOH

Congressman Joe Walsh

whoisamerica-101-walsh-1.jpg

the honorable Joe Walsh

Former Congressman

Joe Walsh was a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district and is currently a conservative talk show host.

Walsh began his career with Jobs For Youth, working in inner-city Chicago teaching high school dropouts basic academic and job skills. He worked on state and local public policy issues with the Heartland Institute, a free market think tank, and he ran the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, a Chicago-based privately funded school voucher program which gives high school scholarships to low-income Chicago eighth graders. Walsh also helped launch the Legislative Education Action Drive and Americans for Limited Government, national organizations working to get fiscally conservative state legislators elected in targeted states and advance the causes of limited government. He raised funds for and helped advance the cause of school choice for two of the nation’s leading school choice organizations, the American Education Reform Council and the Milton & Rose Friedman Foundation. Walsh continues to build support for an international charity which uses education and micro-enterprise to deliver Nicaraguan children from poverty, the Fabretto Children’s Foundation.

Walsh has run campaigns for elected office twice, first as a Republican candidate for the United States Congress in 1996 and then as a Republican candidate for the Illinois State House in 1998. He served one term in the United States House of Representatives for Illinois's 8th congressional district.

Congressman Walsh spoke at The Common Good in 2012: Tea Party Congressman Joe Walsh – February 13, 2012.

Twitter: @WalshFreedom

Secretary Jack Kemp †

static.politico.jpg

secretary Jack Kemp †

American politician

Jack Kemp was a pro football player, congressman, cabinet secretary and vice-presidential candidate.

Kemp served in Congress for nine terms (1971-1989). He was elected the incoming Republican freshman class president, and 10 years later was chosen Chairman of the Republican Conference (third ranking in House Republican leadership). Kemp served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1989-1993, where he championed affordable housing, tenant management, and a housing voucher program for homeless veterans and their families. Upon leaving office in 1993, he joined forces with William Bennett and Jeane Kirkpatrick to found Empower America. He also served as chairman of the National Commission on Economic Growth and Tax Reform, which promoted major reform and simplification of the U.S. tax code.

Jack Kemp died on May 2, 2009. President Obama posthumously awarded Jack Kemp the Presidential Medal of Freedom in August, 2009.