Join us this week at the Lounge for another captivating policy discussion! We dive into the issue of campaign and election financing, an important topic affecting the state of our democracy. We look through some of the legislative and judicial history around this issue leading up to the Citizens United case. How was the first amendment used in this case? How did the changes from this ruling affect campaign finance policy as well as transparency in our elections? In addition, we compare how elections are financed in other countries around the world and look for options moving forward. 

Given that it is a heavy topic, our bartender Marky J brought some Hopslam beers all the way from Kalamazoo, MI!

This week we are excited to introduce the PC Lounge's VIP Interview Booth!  We're opening  up a space in the lounge to speak to people who may be policy experts in certain fields or people who have been impacted by a specific policy. We want to link personal stories and experiences to policies enacted by governments so that everyone at the lounge develops a level of consciousness on how we are all connected and influenced by policy. 

Our first guest is our college friend Abu Yousufzai, who was born in Afghanistan came to the U.S. as a refugee in the 90s. He shares with us his family's story and later we discuss U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan over the past decades.

Abu isn't a cocktail guy, so this week we have the Coeur de Cuvee (Side Project Brewer). Coeur de Cuvée is a series of blends of some of Side Project's  finest wine barrel-fermented and aged saisons. 

Make sure to tune in this week and let us know what you think! If you have any suggestions for future interviews let us know!

Happy New Year Everyone! Season 3 starts out with a bang as the PC Lounge celebrates one full year in business. The gang dives into their views on MLK's legacy and if government is capable of transforming society like they did during the civil rights movement during Bar Side Banter. 

After the break, FDR kicks off Policy with Character as the lounge analyzes political eras and  whether we're in the midst of a change in eras in a post-Reagan world.

Plus this week's tasty cocktail is a Tequila Marking Jay.

DRINK RECIPE (Tequila + Aperol Drink) 

• 2 ounces of Reposado tequila; ¾ ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ - ¾ ounce Aperol
• ½ ounce Simple Syrup
• 2 dashes of angostura bitters
• 1-2 dashes of hot sauce (optional, but makes it way better, just saying)

Directions – ain’t no thang – ice, mix, shake, pour in glass over ice, enjoy OR for a simpler approach, just put ice in a glass, mix in the rest, stir for 15-20 seconds and you’re good