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The Lobbyists How Influence Peddlers Work Their Way in Washington By Jeffrey Birnbaum. Katie Padilla 7/25/11 PA 715. Outline. Book Summary Fundamental Messages Are the author’s messages still relevant today? Personal Perspective Any additional questions?. Book Summary .
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The LobbyistsHow Influence Peddlers Work Their Way in WashingtonBy Jeffrey Birnbaum Katie Padilla 7/25/11 PA 715
Outline • Book Summary • Fundamental Messages • Are the author’s messages still relevant today? • Personal Perspective • Any additional questions?
Book Summary • Birnbaum follows 9 corporate lobbyists over the course of the 101st Congress in 1989 & 1990 • Lobbyists have to face the growing federal deficit as an adversary • They walk away with only minimal gains in 1990 but all live to see another day as a lobbyist
Fundamental Messages • Lobbyists have become so engrained in the policy making process it is almost as if they have become a part of government themselves. • Despite their unprecedented access and utilization of a sophisticated set of tools, lobbyists produce a mixed bag of results for their clients. Their gains are often found in small changes to larger pieces of legislation.
Are Birnbaum’s Messages Still Relevant? • Message 1: Is the line between Government & Lobbyists still Blurred? • ANP Investigation: The Revolving Door of K Street http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW5r5BFnZoE • Discussion: Should this revolving door be closed?
Are Birnbaum’s Messages still Relevant today? • U.S. once again facing a huge federal deficit – How are lobbyists influencing lawmakers in current times? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uDoUl5D8b4 • Discussion: Are all of these competing interests slowing the budget talks to a standstill? Are We Risking default because of these competing interests?
Are Birnbaum’s Messages Still Relevant? • Message 2: Are the Gains of Lobbyists still Small & Incremental? • It appears more $ is being spent, lobbyists are merging with “non-traditional allies,” & more of an impact is being made. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWzwvapQd_A • Discussion: More $ = More Influence on Laws. Is this fair? Is additional reform needed?
Personal Perspective • Interesting book which shed some light on how the lobbying industry works • Helped me shift my perspective on lobbying • Overloaded with day-to-day details, lacking on the analysis • Inspired me to learn more