Pregaming Politicon
5 things to look forward to at the only convention for news junkies

A couple months ago I decided to pick up the proverbial pen and write my first piece for medium titled “Why I left the Border Patrol to study UFOs.” I knew my story was unique (whose isn’t?), but I had no idea how profound and life-changing the response would be. People have a way of surprising you with their kindness. Right off the bat, I was flooded with kind words of encouragement from people who found inspiration in my story, or who’d gone through similar experiences themselves. That led to some very meaningful long-term correspondences with a few of you, and then just last week, one of my extremely generous penpals (who asked to remain nameless) bought me tickets to FRICKEN POLITICON 2017!!!

If you’d have offered them to me 2 years ago I’d have scoffed them away. Who knew I would become such a news junkie? Well I’m planning to milk this opportunity for all it’s worth, so I’ll be posting live updates throughout the 2 day event on twitter and medium series, as well as a comprehensive recap piece a day or two after. So you’ve got that to look forward to… In the meantime here’s a quick listicle about what I’m looking forward to at politicon
HOW TO HANDLE THE DICKS: EMPATHY AND OBJECTIVITY IN THE AGE OF TRUMP

It’s tough to see how empathy factors into the equation when every morning paper makes me want to rip my hair out. Tough, but essential. Loaded with heavy hitters like MSNBC’s Sally Kohn and Comedy Central’s hilarious Grace Parra, this panel is sure to be fun as well as insightful. Anyone who’s read my UFO story knows I care deeply about empathizing with that which is unknown or foreign, even when they seem frightening, so I’m really excited about this one. Also, this panel is all women which is super cool!

The Young Turks always have a huge presence at Politicon, and this year the most talked about Politicon event is a debate between TYT founder Cenk Uygur and the notoriously calculated Ben Shapiro. Uygur is famous for his ruthless and humorous, but sometimes overly-emotional debating style. Shapiro on the other hand prides himself on regarding “facts over feelings,” but, with his abrasive personality, may have trouble capturing the audience’s hearts, even if he gets their minds. Easy on the ad hominems, Cenk, Ben doesn’t miss a beat! Cenk’s copilot Ana Kasparian will also go head to head with a sharp-witted right winger: the formidable Ann Coulter.
MR. TRUMP, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL

A Californian congressman, an ACLU Lawyer and a housing activist named Krystall Ball walk into a bar… and a spirited conversation about border policy ensues. But seriously, folks! This one should be good. These panelists are well informed about not just border policy, but workers’ rights, education, and the effects of immigration on domestic life. I know a lot about this topic, but there’s still so much to learn. Wish I was on this one, damn! (A guy can dream, can’t he?)

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t vote for Trump, but you have to admit the Democratic Party really dropped the ball. I’m interested to see how these panelists respond to the recent buzz about the democrats’ new Papa John’s-esque slogan. Better skills and better jobs are great, but are they enough to win back congress in 2018? Later that day there’s also a panel called Now What, Republicans? I hope to make it to both.
ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDERS: CRUCIAL VOTE IN SWING STATES

This is a topic I’ll admit I know very little about, that really ought to be discussed more often! Panelists include congresswoman Judy Chu and political entrepreneur Steven Olikara, among others. Excited to learn more and report back!
Those are just a few things I’m looking forward to. It’s gonna be a jam-packed weekend and there’s no way I’ll catch everything, but, like always, I’m planning to expect the unexpected. Make sure to follow me on twitter Sean Polk, and keep an eye out for my medium series!
