Rodeo Clown, Political Voice, Trust in Government

Rodeo Clown Troy Lerwill is The Wild Child Guest: Troy Lerwill “The Wild Child,” Professional Rodeo Clown, Six-time PRCA Clown of the Year The giant pants, weird hats, and bright face paint are a fixture in the modern rodeo arena. They’re not just there to keep bulls from goring cowboys. They’re also featured entertainment. Some have acts that are silly. Others, downright death defying. This hour we’re talking to one of the best in the business. He’s been named the best Comedy Act of the Year on the pro rodeo circuit four times and PRCA Clown of the Year six times. How to Have Your Voice Heard in Politics Guest: Kay L. Schlozman, Professor of Political Science, Boston College, Co-Author, “Unequal and Unrepresented: Political Inequality and the People’s Voice in the New Guilded Age” Traditionally in the US, only about half of eligible voters actually cast a ballot in mid-term elections like the one coming up on November 6. Voting is the way people in a democracy like ours can make their voice heard. So why doesn't everyone who can do it? Americans Don’t Trust Government and It Shows Guest: Jack Citrin, Professor of Political Science, U.C. Berkeley Choosing to vote or to get involved in a campaign or contact your representative or donate to a candidate requires some confidence that what you do will make a difference, doesn’t it?  You need a certain level of trust that the people in power actually care about things that matter to you -- trust that, given the opportunity, those people will do the right thing.  Can Young Voters Overcome Their Cynicism? Guest: Peter Stone, Author, The Perfect Candidate  When Peter Stone was fresh out of high school in 1998, he was so full enthusiasm for the political process that he went to DC to intern for his California Congressman. But seeing how the sausage was made – so to speak – darkened his view. That Congressman he worked for was Democrat Gary Condit, who would soon be embroiled in political scandal involving infidelity and murder. Peter Stone has now written a political thriller inspired by his experience as a teenaged Congressional intern. It’s called “The Perfect Candidate” and it’s for young adults.