The electoral process inherently favors wealthy, socially connected, and power-seeking individuals. This systematically excludes more reserved but capable citizens, creating a political class with significant blind spots that is often unresponsive to the majority's needs.
By using a lottery system, Citizen Assemblies create a representative body of ordinary people. Given expert support and time to deliberate, these groups produce thoughtful, workable, and more publicly accepted policies than professional politicians who are constrained by party lines and electoral incentives.
Yale professor Elaine Landmore reframes democracy not as a set of rules but as a welcoming host. This metaphor, borrowed from G.K. Chesterton, emphasizes the intentional, continuous effort required to encourage participation from citizens who feel alienated or disempowered by the current political system.
Senator Amy Klobuchar reveals the immense, often thankless, sacrifices made by political spouses. They frequently give up careers, privacy, and personal time to support their partner's public life, with their ambitions and even personal anecdotes becoming fodder for the politician's career.
Politics doesn't have to be about rage. In Citizen Assemblies, the curated context of working on a common task allows people with opposing views to find common ground. Sharing meals and listening transforms abstract opponents into human beings, making reconciliation and even friendship possible.
Senator Amy Klobuchar suggests the "joy of politics" isn't in power but in its tangible impact on individuals. The knowledge that her public cancer diagnosis prompted a woman to get a life-saving screening provided more fulfillment than typical political victories, highlighting the core purpose of service.