Policy communicators, strategists, and think tank leaders gathered at the WonkComms DC Breakfast Club to discuss the potential for government action to succeed in transforming society. This meeting focused on the “Abundance Agenda,” a concept popularized by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s new book, which envisions a government capable of effectively solving problems.
Erica Schoder from R Street Institute, Ted Gayer of The Niskanen Center, and Paul Constance from Sociopúblico shared insights on communicating this agenda. They examined how to shift public narrative from focusing on crises to embracing constructive action.
Paul Constance shared an anecdote highlighting generational pessimism. His friend’s teenage son expressed doubt about the future, reflecting a cultural trend of crisis narratives that leave people feeling powerless. He noted that past progressive communications have contributed to this sense of burnout by overemphasizing catastrophe. “People are turning off, not tuning in,” he said.
Erica Schoder described the abundance agenda as both a policy approach and a narrative change. It focuses on building more infrastructure and capacity rather than dwelling on scarcity. She emphasized its pragmatic nature: “It’s not ideological,” she stated. “It’s pragmatic, it’s center-ground, and it’s future-focused.” The agenda appeals across party lines by suggesting that government should enable positive outcomes rather than merely prevent negative ones.
However, Schoder warned against vague optimism; it must be grounded in evidence and tangible results to maintain credibility amidst misinformation. “We’re not just selling hope—we’re demonstrating results,” she said.
The discussion also touched on acknowledging people’s lived experiences when data alone is insufficient. Schoder remarked, “We may be living in the most affluent time in human history,” but many don’t feel that way due to disconnects between reality and perception.
Ted Gayer cautioned against allowing “abundance” to become an overreaching or meaningless concept by over-promising or complicating solutions. “Avoid over-promising and over-engineering,” he advised, stressing the importance of realistic goals: “People are looking for what works—not a fantasy.”
Paul Constance concluded with an example of successful community effort: the revival of Mystic River as a symbol of environmental renewal achieved through persistence and collective action. This story underscores that abundance narratives should empower individuals with agency—the belief they can make a difference over time.
Schoder added that young people seek actionable opportunities beyond mere stories—whether through policy reform or local initiatives—to bridge vision with participation.
