Case Study: Conversations

If a story speaks to you on Medium, we want you to talk back. Responses on Medium function like original posts. They have their own unique page and url, and can be recommended and responded to, just like stories. So, responses can be powerful tools to initiating conversations. Here are some great examples:

Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain

Vice President Biden published this piece, reflecting on his friendship with McCain and honoring him for exemplifying civility in politics despite their differences.

On Senator John McCain and Civility

Senator John McCain responded, sharing his own remarks about his friendship with Biden and how the Vice President has set an example for everyone in being courteous, respectful and humble.

On Vice President Joe Biden and Civility

Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Cory Booker

Senator Tom Cotton published this piece on the Senate’s Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act:

The Current Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act is Dangerous for America

And Senator Cory Booker responded:

Public safety and justice are not mutually exclusive in America

Bob Woodruff & Hillary Clinton

Bob Woodruff penned a letter to all the presidential candidates — asking a series of questions on how they plan to care for veterans, and calling on them to inform the public of their positions:

To Those Who Would Be Commander-in-Chief

Only one candidate responded, Hillary Clinton, answering all eight of Woodruff’s questions:

Supporting our veterans is a sacred responsibility.

Arthur Brooks and Senator John Cornyn

In his first piece on Medium, AEI President Arthur Brooks writes about how his organization tries to foster debate and conversation on the most important issues facing the country:

Building a better competition of ideas

Senator John Cornyn, who was mentioned in the post, responded, thanking Arthur, and continuing the conversation on criminal justice reform:

It’s Time for Criminal Justice Reform

Bono & Melinda Gates

The lead singer of U2 and the founder of ONE and (RED) took to Medium to write about the UN’s Global Goals:

Solar Fields, Sexist Poverty and a Modern Marshall Plan

Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, responded:

Three things stick out to me about this excellent piece, Bono.

Health Care for 9/11 Heroes

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand calls on Congress to pass legislation making health care for 9/11 first responders permanent:

Making Health Care For Our 9/11 Heroes Permanent

Several senators — Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker, Tammy Baldwin, Tim Kaine, and Chris Murphy — all responded and echoed her call:

Senator Chuck Schumer:

Great post, Senator Gillibrand.

Senator Cory Booker:

Senator Gillibrand is right.

Senator Tammy Baldwin:

Stand Up for 9/11 First Responders & Survivors

Senator Tim Kaine:

The thousands that continue to suffer from long-term health effects of 9/11 represent one of the…

Senator Chris Murphy:

I couldn’t agree with you more, Senator Gillibrand.