Ed in ’08: How to Make Your Own Policy Window

Philanthropists Eli Broad and Bill Gates recently teamed up to spend $60 million in an effort to place education onto the 2008 presidential race agenda. As one of the most expensive single-issue initiatives yet, “Ed in ’08”—as its slogan has come to be—will use TV, radio, and Internet advertising for volunteers and network operatives in the different political parties. By publicizing the need for education reform, Broad and Gates will attempt to create their own social movement to open the policy window necessary to create political change. Says Gates, “The lack of political and public will is a significant barrier to making dramatic improvements in school and student performance.” Clearly, they hope to change that by throwing in $60 million.

Though the project (called Strong American Schools) cannot endorse candidates, it will advocate broad issues such as merit pay for high quality teaching, or more uniform standards such as a national curriculum. In doing so, presidential candidates will be forced to take stands on controversial issues that may significantly effect their supporter bloc.