2023 USSYP Yearbook - Flipbook - Page 12
DEMOCRATIC CO-CHAIR
Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado
Create a Rising Tide That Raises All Ships
“Republicans and
Democrats are trying to
give back, at all levels of
public service, with high
ethical standards. They
work hard, they are honest,
and they are what make
America what it is.”
Democratic Co-Chair
Senator John Hickenlooper
S
enator John Hickenlooper of Colorado delighted the delegates with stories from his multifaceted
past, counseling the delegates to immerse themselves in “real life” work and business experience
before launching into politics. His own varied résumé includes education in creative writing and
geology, as well as brew pub entrepreneur, mayor, governor, film actor and banjo expert. His instincts
to work toward the greater good were honed as a successful businessman and local elected official.
Whether devising a marketing plan that included his restaurant competitors in downtown Denver, or in
deciding early on to run no political attack ads, he was guided by the principle that “A rising tide raises
all ships.” He saw the pitfalls of political mudslinging through a business lens, saying “that diminishes
the entire product category of politics and democracy — of what this country stands for. We’ve got to
bring our democracy together.” Fact-based creative bipartisan solutions are his strategy. As governor
during the horrific Aurora theater shooting, he responded with a plan for a national firearm safety board,
modeled on the success of the National Highway Transportation Safety Board. “There may be two sides
to the gun issue,” he opined, “but it’s one America. We’ve got to find our way to some common solutions.”
10 | UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM 2023
