Throwback Thursday: TEDxSalon on 21st Century Democracy

#TBT to Cleveland State University’s inaugural TEDxSalon, “21st Century Democracy.”

TEDxSalon events are intimate gatherings modeled on the popular TED Talk format, designed to spark dialogue, debate, and the exchange of bold ideas. Unlike large-scale TED conferences, these smaller events emphasize discussion and interaction, making them ideal spaces to wrestle with the pressing challenges of our time.

At this inaugural Cleveland State University event, a distinguished panel of political experts and operatives explored timely topics including voter engagement, the future of presidential elections, and why the 2016 election marked a pivotal turning point in American politics.

LNE Group’s Lee Weingart, delivering a TEDx talk, “The Rise of Hyper-Partisanship, Social Polarization and Dysfunctional 21st Century Democracy.”

Lee Weingart on Hyper-Partisanship and Polarization

As part of the panel, Lee Weingart, Chairman and Founder of LNE Group, delivered a presentation titled:

“The Rise of Hyper-Partisanship, Social Polarization, and Dysfunctional 21st Century Democracy.”

In his talk, Lee traced the dramatic partisan shifts within America’s political parties and their ripple effects on civic life. He highlighted:

  • The erosion of congressional action — with meaningful legislative progress often stalling unless triggered by a national emergency.
  • The disenfranchisement of voters — caused by uncompetitive elections, where many Americans feel their voices no longer carry weight.
  • The social consequences of polarization — with partisanship reshaping how citizens interact with one another in daily life.

Audience Engagement

Lee’s message resonated strongly with the audience and set the stage for a lively discussion. Together with his fellow panelists, he fielded questions on how to reinvigorate civic engagement, restore trust in institutions, and chart a healthier democratic future.

The dialogue underscored a shared conviction: while polarization and gridlock remain defining features of our political landscape, creative solutions and open conversation are essential to restoring American democracy in the 21st century.

To view the full event or find out more, visit the Cleveland State University TEDxSalon website.