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Photo of Joseph P. Overton

Joseph P. Overton

The late Joseph Overton was senior vice president of the Mackinac … time of his passing in 2003. Overton played a key role in establishing … change, posthumously named the "Overton Window," has gained national …

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The Overton Window

… support that same policy? The Overton Window of Political Possibility … Brief Explanation of The Overton Window ... the Overton Window can both shift and … their electoral support. The Overton Window is a model for understanding … These policies lie inside the Overton Window. Other policy ideas …

‘Now it’s simply referred to as the Overton Window, as if everyone knows what it is’

Larry Reed and Joe Lehman on the Overton Window and Joe Overton

… that range is called the Overton Window. It is named for the late Joseph P. Overton, a vice president at the Mackinac Center. Joe Overton’s work still influences Mackinac … is the inspiration for the Overton Window podcast. It is a special … the Mackinac Center, Joe Overton’s work, and his insight about …

‘There’s a wide-open Overton Window, and a lot of people have ideas’

Jason Hayes on how federal and state forests are managed

… I speak with him about this approach for the Overton Window podcast. “There’s a popular fiction that … interest weighs in on proceedings,” Hayes says. The Overton Window for forest use is wide. To some people, … Hayes says. Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

Lehman Talks Overton

Mackinac president discusses the shifting of public debate and the life of Joe Overton on podcast

Has the Overton Window shifted to the point where it's acceptable to discuss...the Overton Window? Mackinac Center President … and the life of Joseph P. Overton. While the Overton Window is widely (and often … that was pioneered by Joe Overton when he was a Mackinac Center …

The legacy of the Overton Window

Remembering Joe Overton, 20 years after his death

… change the world. And Joe Overton was all about changing the … released it into the wild. The Overton Window has become part of … ways no one predicted. The Overton Window is a model of policy … can shift this window. Joe Overton simply wanted to describe … his death. We named it “The Overton Window” in his honor, and …

An Introduction to the Overton Window of Political Possibility

… the land can be described by a model called the Overton Window. This is the term my colleagues and I gave … the Mackinac Center's late vice president, Joseph Overton. After Joe died in 2003, I built a presentation … playing out at the time of this writing. The Overton Window doesn't describe everything, but it describes …

New Glenn Beck Book Title Includes Reference to Center

'The Overton Window'

… established by the Center's late vice president, Joseph Overton, according to The Washington Post. Beck's book, … in June, will be titled "We Are Americans: The Overton Window." Beck first expressed an interest in the … Center President Joseph G. Lehman explains the Overton Window here.

Think Tank Leader Dies In Plane Crash

Joseph P. Overton (1960-2003)

Joseph P. Overton, 43, of Midland, passed away Monday, June … Haven, Mich., to Kathryn J. Overton and the late Lawrence G. Overton. Joe Overton was senior vice president … Center carry his imprint. Overton's contributions to the Mackinac …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

The Overton Window // A Case Study

The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes in public policy occur. … re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy … in 2012 represents a significant shift in the Overton Window as it relates to labor policy. In addition …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

The Overton Window // A Case Study

The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes in public policy occur. When … re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy … Lawrence W. Reed and Senior Vice President Joseph P. Overton recommend that Michigan adopt a right-to-work …

The Overton Window Opens to Another Audience

Joseph G. Lehman, president of the Mackinac Center, was a guest on Detroit's WDET Public Radio today, where he detailed the creation of the Overton Window and how it is applied to a range of public policy issues, including taxes and school choice. The concept has drawn national attention and increasing …

“Uber Really Exploded the Window”

A Conversation About How To Use the Overton Window

… Another possibility is that the Overton Window shifts when some ideas … Beek, to talk about how the Overton Window changes. We looked … rethink their approach. The Overton Window for taxi regulation … politicians changed the laws. The Overton Window had shifted. The regulations … technology alone that moved the Overton Window, but the fact that …

‘Decarbonization has really thrown a wrench into the gears’

Jason Hayes on the Overton Window for electricity regulation

… That forms one bound of the Overton Window for electricity regulation. … Environmental Policy, for this week’s Overton Window podcast. Electricity … running,” Hayes says. The Overton Window on electricity policy … politically possible. “You saw the Overton Window shift a little bit … out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

Don't Look Now

Right-to-Work Is in the Overton Window

At the risk of sounding a bit wonky, the Overton Window is an important idea around the Mackinac Center. … eventually named after, our late Vice President Joe Overton, who observed that at any given point in time … protections. That puts worker freedom in the Overton Window of respectable and politically plausible …

The 4th of July

… favorite way to capture my organization's devotion to the lofty ideals embodied in The Founding is something penned by my late friend and colleague, Joe Overton. Joe wanted his staff to commemorate Independence Day the way he did, so he added this to our employee policy on holidays: "All staff are encouraged …

“Federal, State and Local Lawmakers: You Need to get Ahead of This. The Lawsuits are Coming.”

How drones are changing the Overton Window for low-altitude airspace

… fellow at the Mercatus Center, about what sets the Overton Window for regulating drone activities. As it … elegant way of protecting private property.” The Overton Window for drone regulation has formed around … property rights.” Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on iTunes and Spotif …

‘There’s a tax break industrial complex that’s got everybody hornswoggled’

Greg LeRoy lays out the Overton Window on selective business subsidies

… to deny those requests. And I speak with him about it for this week’s Overton Window podcast. “The things that benefit all employers — a good school … more educated debate,” LeRoy says. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Inside the Overton Window

In this video, Joe Lehman explains how the Overton Window moves and discusses 'Overton’s Revenge,' the possible outcome when politicians try to act outside the …

“It Worked Like in the Textbooks — and Nothing Ever Does.”

How to amend the Michigan Constitution, with Leon Drolet

… on both. I spoke with him for the Overton Window podcast about his different … introduced a potent idea into the Overton Window: States should prohibit this … further about working within the Overton Window as a legislator, and about … Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on iTunes …

“I Think Right Now We’re in a Really Good Place to Change Higher Education.”

Jenna Ashley Robinson on how to keep tuition down and improve higher education

… debt. I spoke with her about her idea for the Overton Window podcast. Her solution would mean that … loans. “This would definitely be pushing the Overton Window,” she said. She is focused on helping … lazy river. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on iTunes and Spotif …

“Get Out There, Motivate Others, And Do What You Believe In”

Tori Aultman on campus engagement during COVID

… especially on college campuses. Jarrett Skorup spoke with Tori Aultman for the Overton Window podcast about her experience launching a school debate and activism … that they need to better themselves.” Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

“Public Resources Should be Put to Public Use”

Matthew D. Mitchell and Jonathan Riches on outlawing favoritism

… to encourage the private sector at the public expense were within the Overton Window, and states enacted that policy. The failures of those efforts, … the right, as there was in the 1800s. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

A case study

The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes … As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional … unacceptable.  An illustration of the Overton Window in action can be seen in the … schools. Find out more about the Overton Window at mackinac.org/ overtonwi …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

A case study

The Overton Window, as coined by the Mackinac Center, is a model to explain how changes in public policy occur. When evaluating the options within any … support without jeopardizing re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy options that were previously …

Joseph P. Overton Library Dedication

… Center for Public Policy dedicated its library in the name of its late senior vice president. Among the display items on the walls of the Joseph P. Overton Library are words from one of the eulogies delivered at Joe's funeral on July 7. Entitled "The World Needs More ...", they describe the essence of …

Joe Lehman Discusses the Overton Window on Glenn Beck's TV Show

In this video, Joe Lehman discusses the origin of the Overton Window and provides examples of how it applies to specific changes in public policy. CLICK HERE to listen to Lehman's interview on Beck's radio show.

‘Argument is the great source of political power’

George Will on changing minds over 50 years of column-writing and how the Overton Window shifted in baseball

… Jarrett Skorup, who interviews Will for this week’s Overton Window podcast about his half-century career as … explain everything. Will also talked about how the Overton Window has shifted when it comes to the rules … skepticism.” Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

‘I didn’t think courts had that ability, and I still don’t’

Alisha, friend of the Overton Window Podcast, wants to know about the state Supreme Court

… Cliff Taylor, a former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court for the Overton Window podcast. Alisha was curious about whether state supreme courts … something new come up in oral argument.” Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

Overton Window Cited in WSJ

James Taranto today in the Wall Street Journal cites the Overton Window — developed by the Mackinac Center’s late executive vice president, Joseph Overton — in a column about the controversy surrounding comments made by Boston …

‘The only way you’re going to get involved is by being involved’

Luke Derheim on volunteering on political campaigns

… this is how many people get their foot in the door in politics. On the Overton Window podcast, Luke Derheim, perennial volunteer turned campaign manager … going to do anything,” Derheim says. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

‘If you can make them laugh, they’ll remember things’

Shoshana Weissmann on policy advocacy on social media

… speak with her about advocating for policy through social media for the Overton Window podcast. “I never thought that being so clearly who I am would … important account that can do good stuff.” Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

A National Leader

Mackinac Center’s Michael Reitz wins Overton award

… the Mackinac Center: the Overton Award. It’s named after Joe Overton, the Mackinac Center’s former … occupy the space which Joe Overton filled: a leader serving as … Unlike other SPN awards, the Overton Award has only been given … someone who would make Joe Overton proud. We are proud to announce …

“You Just See Policy Failure all Over the Place”

Alisha wants to know about American shipping regulations

… Alisha, she wanted to know more. We spoke with Colin Grabow about it for the Overton Window podcast. He’s a policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. … thinking here in Washington,” he said. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast, available on iTunes and Spotify, and check our Grabow’s …

Overton Window Cited by Columnist

A column in The Oakland Press talks about the role of the “Overton Window of Political Possibility” as it relates to tax cuts and federal spending. Read about the Overton Window and its many applications, as well as how it was used as the title …

‘The Overton Window’: Made in Michigan

… nn Beck's new novel, "The Overton Window," was a bestseller … Center did originate the Overton Window concept that Beck adapted for his story. The "Overton Window of Political Possibility" … developed by the late Joseph Overton, once the Mackinac Center's … bill's supporters suffer "Overton's Revenge," the penalty for …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

A case study

… be awarded to their competitors. It didn’t just happen overnight. The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes in public … support without jeopardizing re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy options that were previously …

The Overton Window at The Corner

John Miller at National Review Online writes about the "Overton Window of Political Possibility" and how Glenn Beck has adapted the name for his new book. Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman recently discussed the Overton Window on Beck's radio program. You can watch and or listen here.

How the 'Overton Window' Is Used

… The theory is called the "Overton Window," named after then … Center Vice President Joe Overton, who died in a plane crash in 2003. Overton stated that only a relatively … released novel called "The Overton Window." In preparation for … giving some details on the Overton Window. "Our Overton Window …

The Overton Window and Free Speech

The Overton Window is a model of policy change conceived by … senior vice president, Joe Overton. The concept was humbly born … free (less government). The Overton Window defines the range of … quo — policies outside the Overton Window. Citizens must be … believes that every shift of the Overton Window is beneficial. That’s …

‘The Great Depression pushed relegalization into the Overton Window’

Jason Taylor on the social changes that led to Prohibition and its repeal

… op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. He joins the Overton Window podcast to discuss the lessons for social … I, that was the turning point that changed the Overton Window,” Taylor says. Making alcohol was an unpopular … Depression. Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast

‘It’s a policy shift but also a cultural shift’

M. Nolan Gray on the battles for less restrictive housing regulation

… challenge of building modest housing for the Overton Window podcast. “Until recently, housing affordability … for the better.” He is working on shifting the Overton Window so much that cities rethink zoning. “The … Gray asks. Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

‘Basically it was a free market wish list’

Kendall Cotton on major policy wins in Montana

… more. I speak with Frontier Institute CEO Kendall Cotton about it for the Overton Window podcast. “Montanans are more free than they were in 2021. We have … local and state levels,” Cotton says. Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

MACKINAC CENTER MOURNS LOSS OF LEADER

For Immediate Release

… vice president, Joseph P. Overton. One of the Center’s key leaders for 11-1/2 years, Overton was killed at approximately … aircraft in Tuscola County. Overton’s contributions to the Mackinac … his professional life, Joe Overton was incredibly gifted as a … known that a big part of Joe Overton’s considerable legacy will …

Glenn Beck Highlights Mackinac Center’s “Overton Window”

… reference made at the time to the Overton Window by Fox Broadcasting's … the Mackinac Center's new Overton Window Web page, including … of current policies “the Overton Window.” He borrowed the term … late vice president, Joseph Overton. When Joe died in 2003, I … around his idea, known as the Overton Window of Political Possibility, …

Joe Lehman Explains the Overton Window on Fox News Channel With Glenn Beck

… Wednesday evening to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, … created in the mid-1990s by Joseph P. Overton, the Center's late senior vice president. Beck's new book, "The Overton Window," was released June 15 and … also wrote a commentary about the Overton Window, which you can read here.

Joe Lehman Talks About the Overton Window With Glenn Beck

… Glenn Beck's radio show today to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, according to the Midland Daily News. The Overton Window, created in the mid-1990s by the Center's late vice president, Joseph Overton, explains how policy changes over time. You can …

Joe Lehman to Discuss 'Overton Window' on Glenn Beck Show at 5:20 P.M. on Fox News Channel

… at around 5:20 p.m. EDT today to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, a theory created in the mid-1990s by Joseph P. Overton, the Center's late senior vice president. Beck's new book, "The Overton Window," was released June 15 and already tops …

Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman To Discuss Overton Window on Glenn Beck’s Fox News Show Today

Beck’s new book borrows title and premise from theory developed by late Center vice president

… at around 5:20 p.m. EDT today to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, a theory created in the mid-1990s by the late Joseph P. Overton, formerly the Center's senior vice president. Beck's new book, "The Overton Window," was released June 15, and it already …

Eulogies for Joseph Overton

… Eulogy by Joseph G. Lehman (added July 7) Eulogy by the Hon. John Moolenaar (added July 9) Eulogy by June Cramer (added July 9) Eulogy by Scott Overton (added July 8)

Mackinac Center President to Discuss Overton Window Theory on Glenn Beck’s Radio Show Wednesday

Beck’s new book borrows title, premise from theory developed by Center scholar

… hour if tape delayed) on June 9 to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, a theory created in the mid-1990s by Joseph P. Overton, the Center's late senior vice president. Beck's newest book is a work of fiction titled "The Overton Window," due to be released June 15. The program …

Mackinac Center Ranked Among Top 5 Percent of U.S. Think Tanks

The Center has been a champion for liberty since 1987

… programs to inform policy solutions. Some solutions are attainable in the current political environment; others exist to offer new ideas and stretch the Overton Window of political possibilities. Over the last three decades, the Center has been key to achieving some major accomplishments that have helped …

The Overton Window Turns 20

… That’s what happened with the Overton Window. The late Mackinac … Senior Vice President Joe Overton developed the idea to address … campaigns? The insight Joe Overton brought to these questions … grabbed ahold of it. Joe Overton died in a tragic ultralight … concept he pioneered the Overton Window. Many people find …

‘This is the unholy intersection of Hollywood and politics’

Jacob Whiton and Greg LeRoy on state film subsidies

… us that austerity forces states to make tough choices, including getting rid of stupid programs,” LeRoy says. Check out the conversation at the Overton Window podcast.

Joseph P. Overton

Joseph P. Overton, 43, of Midland, passed away June 30, 2003, … Haven, Mich., to Kathryn J. Overton and the late Lawrence G. Overton. He graduated from Midland’s … known that a big part of Joe Overton’s considerable legacy will … by Helen; his mother, Kathryn J. Overton of Midland; sister Laurie …

Mackinac Center Guarantees $350,000 to Save Public School Teachers' Jobs

… Senior Vice President Joseph Overton stated that the district could … difference in their lives," Overton wrote.  "If we have to choose … it is being spent." said Overton.  "With parents sacrificing … accepted our offer yet," Overton said Mar. 1.  "The primary … saving teachers' jobs."  Overton cited the union's recently …

Inaugural Presentation of the Overton Award

… Senior Vice President Joseph Overton. The remarks are those of … friend and colleague of Overton’s. While the Mackinac Center … delivered to honor not only Overton, for whom a new award has … the first recipient of the Overton Award, Lynn Harsh, executive … honorable and beautiful as Joe Overton. For those who knew him well …

Introducing the Overton Window Podcast

… possible in their states: They’ve shifted the Overton Window. We launched the Overton Window podcast to talk to people who have made … to shift what is politically possible, and The Overton Window podcast talks to the people who have made …

Group Offers to Take Over Westwood Community Schools to Reverse Loss of Students

Mackinac Center: Improve Quality of Education, Don't Trap Children

… exactly backwards," said Mackinac Center Senior Vice President Joseph Overton. "With a schools-of-choice program, parents will continue to live in the … competitive. "This public school district needs an attitude change," said Overton. "Instead of viewing parents as the problem, administrators need to view …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

A case study

The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes in public policy occur. When evaluating the options within any specific … support without jeopardizing re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy options that were previously …

The Overton Window of Political Possibility

A Case Study: Schools of Choice

The Overton Window of Political Possibility is a model to explain how changes in public policy occur. When evaluating the options within any specific … support without jeopardizing re-election. As society embraces new ideas, the Overton Window shifts to include additional public policy options that were previously …

Transparency Moves into the Overton Window

In 2023, transparency moved into the Overton Window in Michigan. Lawmakers were slow to catch up. Voters approved Proposal 1 last November. The measure called for shorter term limits. It also required lawmakers to pass a bill mandating financial disclosures for officeholders and candidates for state …

Where the 'Overton Window' Came to Life

… Center Vice President Joe Overton had an idea of creating a … what is now known as "The Overton Window" — the name of Beck's book. Overton died in 2003 before he had … appearance on Beck's radio show. Overton wanted to use a rectangular … window, creating what the Overton Window theorized were the …

Westwood Letter

… discuss this proposal with you in greater detail and can be reached at the phone number and address on page one of this letter. Sincerely, Joseph P. Overton Senior Vice President cc: Dr. Equilla F. Bradford, Superintendent

Letter to the Westwood Community Schools Board of Education

… this proposal with you in greater detail and can be reached at the phone number and address on page one of this letter. Sincerely,   Joseph P. Overton Senior Vice President   cc:        Dr. Equilla F. Bradford, Superintendent

Eulogy by Scott Overton

Eulogy for Joseph Paul Overton by Scott Overton July 7, 2003 Good morning, Over the past week I have talked to so many people about Joe and have read …

Lehman Discussing the Overton Window in Studio With Glenn Beck

… nac Center President Joe Lehman discussed the Overton Window, a model of how ideas shape public policy, … syndicated radio program on June 9, 2010. The Overton Window concept was developed by the Mackinac Center's late vice president, Joseph Overton. To learn more about the idea, click here.

Does Giving Government Unlimited Power Really Protect the Environment

… deems sacrosanct is subject to the same penalties that destroyed Delene.  Is this how we want to protect Michigan's environment?   #####  (Joseph P. Overton is senior vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a Midland-based public policy education and research institute.  More information …

Michigan Public School Teachers Launch a Non-Union Revolution

… students.   In the end, the only losers will be labor unions that owe their existence to forced support rather than their own merits. ##### (Joseph P. Overton is senior vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.  Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the author …

Michigan Public School Teachers Launch a Non-Union Revolution

… of students. In the end, the only losers will be labor unions that owe their existence to forced support rather than their own merits. Joseph P. Overton, J.D., is senior vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute in Midland, Mich.

An Inside Look at the Government-School Mentality

… with voluntary unionism before Michigan public education can begin to provide the level of quality our children need and deserve. # # # Joseph P. Overton, J.D., is senior vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a Midland, Michigan-based research and educational institute. He is the …

Right-to-Work and the Mackinac Center

Touting labor freedom for 25 years

… or fee payments as a condition of employment. This comes within a year of Indiana making the same decision. This may be a classic example of the Overton Window of what's politically possible moving in the proper direction. Mackinac Center experts have been pushing that window toward right-to-work since …

Joe Lehman, Glenn Beck and the History of the Overton Window

… Center's late vice president Joe Overton developed the concept of the Overton Window to explain the work of think … Mackinac Center and others moved the Overton Window toward more freedom in education. Click here to read more about the Overton Window, its history and its appli …

An Introduction to the Overton Window of Political Possibilities

… Note: The concept of the Overton Window was first developed in the mid-1990s by Joe Overton of the Mackinac Center for … Mackinac Center article on the Overton Window for a general audience. … late, esteemed Joseph P. Overton exerted enormous influence … long-term goals? Among Joe Overton’s many contributions, he was …

30 Years for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy

Our research helped usher in significant reforms

… Roe awards and developed the popular theory of change known today as the Overton Window — named after our late vice president, Joe Overton, the namesake of another SPN award. The Mackinac Center is a state think …

From Long Shot to Victory

Larry Reed recalls right-to-work fight

… architects of our long-term strategy was my best friend and, before he died in a plane crash in June 2003, Mackinac’s senior vice president, Joe Overton. This great triumph for liberty is a tribute to him as much as it is to any person or any organization. Joe, we did it — just as you knew we would, …

Regular Joe

… an article on the late Joe Overton, the man behind the Overton Window concept of political possibilities. Overton was vice president of the … Lehman, a close friend of Overton's, provided insight into Joe Overton's personality and dedication …

Wedding Toast to Joseph and Helen Overton

… gentlemen, welcome to this reception for Joe and Helen Overton. Allow me please to say a few words and to propose … heart as anything I’ve ever put to words. Joe Overton has been my best friend for many years now. He … the hearts of all of us not just because Joe Overton chose you, but equally because you chose him. …

Exploiting a Window of Opportunity

… political thriller with the Overton Window as its main plot element, … window of opportunity. The Overton Window of Political Possibility … late vice president, Joseph Overton. The "window" represents the … in time. Contending ideas, Overton observed, shift the window … influence public policy. After Overton died, Mackinac Center colleagues …

Overton Window Video From Glenn Beck Show

… Friend, Thank you for visiting our Overton Window website and expressing interest … Beck’s show last night to discuss the Overton Window of Political Possibility, … developed by my late colleague Joe Overton. In case you missed the interview … go into more detail about how the Overton Window works. Please tune in and …

‘It’s focused on destroying credibility instead of dealing with facts’

Jarrett Skorup on persuasion in the political debate

… explains why that is on this week’s Overton Window podcast. One reason is that … issue is inside or outside of the Overton Window is helpful in figuring out … lowering taxes is well outside of the Overton Window, people need to be persuaded … Check out our conversation at the Overton Window podcast.