The Election Issue

What roles should business play in society’s political life? You might say none, that business is business and politics are a different kettle of fish entirely, but that’s not how our current system works. From Citizens United to lobbying and endorsements, business in general and CEOs/billionaires in particular are embedded within the larger governance infrastructure.?

Businesses have a stake in the US election, not only because policies matter and firms reflect America, but because companies rely on the commitment of employees, future generations and the benefits of democracy to succeed.?

Given that, what can executives do to strengthen the social and structural foundations of business and the systems it relies upon? And as the US election looms large, what questions should we be asking about the role of business?

Spotlight: Democracy at Risk: What Do We Want—or Need—From Our Chief Executives?

An avalanche of commentary has landed about the intersection of business and politics in the run-up to the election. In this new essay, Judy Samuelson shines a spotlight on the upcoming elections. What do we want from business leaders, and what do we need?

As CEOs consider the impact of election outcomes and weigh their potential actions, what essential considerations may some executives be missing through the haze of stock prices and other short-term factors?

News Roundup

1. The Post’s Non-Endorsement: Poor Timing, Worse Message?(POLITICO: Michael Schaffer ) Are business leaders prepared as we enter “another period where the institutions of a free society are going to be tested”? (also see?Washington Post Steps Into Political Mess With Nonendorsement, The Washington Post Is a Reminder of the Dangers of Billionaire Ownership, and?It’s Now The Washington Post Humor Writer’s Job to Endorse Harris for President)
2. How Business Leaders Could Stand Up To Protect U.S. Democracy?(Forbes: Michael Posner )?“While it is understandable that most corporate leaders have declined to engage publicly on these topics, there is one issue on which I believe they need to take a stand. It is the sanctity of our elections and defense of our democratic system.” How will business suffer if they don’t? (for more, see?Business Roundtable: Voting Is the Bedrock of Our Democracy and Liberals Versus Conservatives in Your Office: How to Cool Tensions)
3. My Call to Leaders at COP16: We Are Unravelling the Fabric of Life Itself?(LinkedIn: Paul Polman ) While the election is top of mind this week, we’re also tracking the results of a more global concern: biodiversity. We are electing leaders who will shape environmental policies. What actions are needed to protect the ecosystems that support us? As Polman says, “The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of nature, not the other way around.” (also see?Is “Nature Positive” the New “Net Zero?”)
4. How Will Corporations Respond if This Year’s Election Is Contested??(Marketplace: Kimberly Adams )?“Many election watchers are expecting a close — and likely contested — election outcome. But if it comes down to it, will the corporate world speak up?”
5. Democracy Is in a ‘Tough Stretch.’ New Nobel Winners Explain How to Strengthen It?(MIT Sloan: Sara Brown ) Is the best first step to bolstering democracy as simple as “More good jobs”?

Also on Our Radar

What else caught our attention this week?

• Election anxiety: How to stay calm before the 2024 presidential election
• What to do if your vote is challenged: Practical advice from a civil rights attorney for Election Day
• The pragmatist’s guide to the 2024 presidential election
• And because it’s Halloween, check out the?Evolution of Horror: Reflecting Societal Fears?and?A candy engineer explains the science behind the Snickers bar.

One for the Road

Thanks for reading, forwarding, following and voting!

— The Business & Society Navigators

Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Welcome! View previous editions and?subscribe here!

Founded in 1998, the?Aspen Institute Business & Society Program?works to align business decisions and investments with the long-term health of society—and the planet.