Podcast Summary: "What Happened in Pennsylvania? Charles Mitchell on Defending Common-Sense American Values"
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Going Big! titled “What Happened in Pennsylvania? Charles Mitchell on Defending Common-Sense American Values,” host Kevin Gentry engages in an in-depth conversation with Charles Mitchell, a visionary leader and senior fellow at the Commonwealth Foundation in Pennsylvania. Released on December 2, 2024, this episode delves into the pivotal events in Pennsylvania during the 2024 elections and explores their broader implications for American values and governance.
Pennsylvania: The Microcosm of America
Charles Mitchell begins by framing Pennsylvania as a "microcosm of America," highlighting its diverse landscape that includes small towns, rural areas, big cities, and everything in between. This diversity makes Pennsylvania a crucial battleground for ideas and values that are reflective of the nation as a whole.
“Pennsylvania is a microcosm of America. We have small towns, we have rural areas, we have big cities, we have incredible diversity.”
— Charles Mitchell [02:49]
Mitchell emphasizes that the state's recent election results were more decisive than anticipated, not only at the presidential level but also in other statewide positions. The victories were predominantly secured by Republicans, including two flips in the congressional delegation—outcomes that Mitchell considers even more surprising than the presidential results.
The Decline of Democratic Advantage
Mitchell discusses the significant shift in political dynamics within Pennsylvania. Historically, the Democratic advantage in the state was substantial, exceeding a million votes. However, this margin has shrunk to approximately 300,000 votes, effectively turning Pennsylvania into a battleground that can swing either way, making it a critical state for determining national trends.
“Politically, yeah, I can still remember when the Democratic advantage in Pennsylvania was over a million votes. Now it is down to, I think it last counts somewhere in the 300,000, basically a coin flip.”
— Charles Mitchell [03:55]
The Rise of the Freedom Movement
A central theme of the discussion is the rise of a vibrant freedom movement in Pennsylvania, which Mitchell attributes to the growing rejection of what he terms "left-wing ideas" that have, in his view, failed to deliver positive outcomes. This movement advocates for principles such as school choice, limited government, and economic freedom, aiming to replace ineffective policies with sustainable alternatives.
“We have a freedom movement today that is vibrant and, and flourishing. And decades ago it did not.”
— Charles Mitchell [05:12]
Mitchell recounts his personal journey, explaining how his early experiences in Washington, D.C., inspired him to return to Pennsylvania. He sought to apply the lessons learned from national leadership to foster change at the state and local levels, believing that real progress must begin closer to home rather than solely relying on federal initiatives.
Impact of the 2024 Elections
The 2024 elections in Pennsylvania, according to Mitchell, were not merely about the selection of candidates but about affirming and advancing foundational American values. He asserts that the election outcomes are a "snapshot in time" reflecting deeper cultural and economic undercurrents that have been shaping the state for years.
“There are many undercurrents that have been going on for years in Pennsylvania that led to that.”
— Charles Mitchell [06:41]
Mitchell underscores that the results signify a broader cultural shift towards values that support human flourishing and a free society. He believes that Pennsylvania's outcome serves as a bellwether for national trends, suggesting that these values have the potential to gain traction across the United States.
Defining the Freedom Movement
When asked to define the freedom movement, Mitchell elaborates that it encompasses principles like entrepreneurship, limited government, and respect for key civil institutions such as family and church. He stresses the necessity of organized efforts to promote and protect these values to prevent their erosion.
“A freedom movement is when we talk about the ideas of a free society, when we talk about entrepreneurship, we talk about limited government...”
— Charles Mitchell [21:00]
Mitchell highlights the importance of state-level initiatives in championing these ideas, arguing that while national institutions lay the groundwork, state actions are crucial for implementing and sustaining policies that reflect these values.
Opportunities and Risks Post-Election
Mitchell identifies both significant opportunities and potential risks arising from the recent election outcomes. On the risk side, he warns against complacency among supporters who might believe that their preferred outcomes are final, neglecting the ongoing effort required to implement and defend these values.
“I fear that people who thought that their values prevailed on election day are going to go to sleep now.”
— Charles Mitchell [27:10]
Conversely, he sees tremendous opportunity in the potential for policy advancements grounded in the principles he advocates. Despite a split legislature in Pennsylvania, Mitchell is optimistic about the governor’s commitment to deregulation, energy independence, and educational reforms focused on school choice. He envisions a cooperative political environment where bipartisan efforts can lead to meaningful legislation.
“Our governor ran for office on the ideas that you and I stand for... deregulate, saying that we should not destroy our energy industry... give scholarships to students in our most failing and violent schools...”
— Charles Mitchell [27:10]
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
In the concluding segment, Mitchell offers profound advice to listeners motivated to enact change. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration over solitary efforts, encouraging individuals to find like-minded allies to bolster their impact. Drawing from his Presbyterian faith, he outlines three options for those concerned about societal issues: resignation ("fetal position"), going it alone, or engaging in cooperative "co-belligerence" to drive collective action.
“The third way is the right way... find some people you really love and respect to do it with.”
— Charles Mitchell [36:40]
Mitchell advocates for building and participating in organized movements that align with one's values, asserting that such collective endeavors are more fulfilling and effective in creating lasting change.
Conclusion
This episode of Going Big! provides a thorough exploration of the transformative political landscape in Pennsylvania and its implications for American values. Charles Mitchell’s insights offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the interplay between state and national politics, the rise of the freedom movement, and actionable strategies for fostering meaningful societal change. By highlighting the significance of Pennsylvania as a microcosm for the nation, the conversation underscores the importance of localized efforts in shaping the broader American narrative.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Defining Pennsylvania as America’s Microcosm
“Pennsylvania is a microcosm of America. We have small towns, we have rural areas, we have big cities, we have incredible diversity.”
— Charles Mitchell [02:49] -
Decline of Democratic Advantage
“Politically, yeah, I can still remember when the Democratic advantage in Pennsylvania was over a million votes. Now it is down to, I think it last counts somewhere in the 300,000, basically a coin flip.”
— Charles Mitchell [03:55] -
Rise of the Freedom Movement
“We have a freedom movement today that is vibrant and, and flourishing. And decades ago it did not.”
— Charles Mitchell [05:12] -
Defining the Freedom Movement
“A freedom movement is when we talk about the ideas of a free society, when we talk about entrepreneurship, we talk about limited government...”
— Charles Mitchell [21:00] -
Risks Post-Election
“I fear that people who thought that their values prevailed on election day are going to go to sleep now.”
— Charles Mitchell [27:10] -
Advice for Changemakers
“The third way is the right way... find some people you really love and respect to do it with.”
— Charles Mitchell [36:40]
Final Thoughts
Charles Mitchell's perspective in this episode serves as a clarion call for sustained engagement and strategic action to uphold and advance the principles of a free society. Going Big! effectively captures the essence of his message, offering listeners both inspiration and a roadmap for contributing to meaningful change within their communities and beyond.