Rick Blaine and I got to see Henry Kissinger and Robert Rubin talk tonight. I thought it wasn't fair the focus was on foreign policy without much about economics, but both former Secretaries were quite insightful (Kissinger a little more so given the field of discussion). I thought it admirable that with an election coming up, both men emphasized the need for nuance and the complexity of situations. There were no 10-word-answers, no campaign slogans, no X-point plans. There was an honest and frank discussion about the increasingly interconnected nature of the world, and the inability to isolate global problems into silos the way we do in campaigns. They both stressed our need for engagement, investment, and a full-picture view of global issues. Their conversation covered the necessity and importance of diplomacy, the impact investment in our nation (and lack thereof) could have, America's "moral authority," trade policy, and comprehensive approaches for everything from education (domestic and abroad) to foreign aid and providing proper incentives for other countries without letting innocents suffer. Sometimes they debated, other times they clarified and elaborated on each others' points. It was refreshing to see such an intellectual and high level policy discussion where the merits of an argument outweighed politics. I really admire both public servants more now than I did before the evening began.

I was also excited to see Mayor Michael Nutter and Governor Ed Rendell speak before and after the keynote 2-person panel. Mayor Nutter spoke about cities' struggles through the current economic crisis, while Rendell passionately made the case for investment in infrastructure and education (both for early childhood and secondary education in math and science).

All in all, a very inspiring and intellectually stimulating night, and even worth missing the start of the Phillies' first World Series game in 15 years. Here's hoping this one ends differently. It would be nice if the first sports team in North America to 10,000 losses would also be the one to snap Philadelphia's streak of 100 consecutive professional sports seasons without a major championship.