At the Square

We're celebrating 1 YEAR of #BothSides at American Public Square at Jewell. Episode #43 features a reflection of the past year of digital programming, a look ahead at what Allan and Mike see as lasting impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic, and of course a current events round up with perspective on the American Rescue Plan and Immigration under the Biden Administration.

Thank you for listening to #BothSides! We're looking to engage with our weekly audience by way of answering YOUR questions. Visit https://americanpublicsquare.org/events/atthesquare/ to submit a question.

In Episode #42 of Both Sides, APS Program Director Denesha Snell steps in for Mike McShane and joins Allan for a conversation with master educator, Maya Everette. Everette shares perspective on teaching during the pandemic and thoughtfully engages with Denesha and Allan about what can be learned from virtual learning, her thoughts on vaccine availability and requirements for educators, and her desire for lawmakers at the state level to engage with educators on the front line to better inform education policy.

In Episode #41 of Both Sides, Allan gives an update about his second dose of the vaccine. Mike and Allan share perspective on a recent article that features an interview with pollster David Shor and his claim that there are key methods that will indicate a midterm victory for Democrats. Allison weighs in and asks the pair for advice on the frustrating concept of online criticism.

Point of reference: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/03/david-shor-2020-democrats-autopsy-hispanic-vote-midterms-trump-gop.html

In Episode #40 of Both Sides, Mike asks Allan to explain a recent blog post that highlighted Senator Mitch McConnell's closing remarks at the Senate Impeachment Hearing of Former President Donald J. Trump. The two offer thoughts on the hearing as a whole, then discuss a recent op-ed written by journalist Ezra Klein entitled 'California is making Liberals Squirm: If progressivism can't work there, why should the country believe it can work anywhere else?' published originally in the New York Times on February 11th, 2021.

In Episode #38 of Both Sides, Allan recounts his recent experience receiving the COVID 19 vaccine, answering Mike's questions about the logistics, notable side effects, and the emotional impact. The two then discuss how the United States roll out of vaccine distribution, though slower than what many would like it to be, is much more organized than European counterparts.

In Both Sides Episode #37, Mike and Allan debrief on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Mike and Allan discuss Biden's first 100 days, sharing thoughts on the use of Executive Orders as a form of policy making. Mike and Allan also discuss the post-Trump era of the Republican Party, making their predictions on whether or not some law makers may shift loyalty.

In Episode #36 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan discuss the second Impeachment of President Trump in the House of Representatives and the permanent removal of his Twitter account. Mike explains why Twitter has the authority to do this, discussing the rights of a private company. Allan gives perspective on how and when he anticipates receiving the COVID 19 vaccine.

Join American Public Square at Jewell on 1/19/2021 at 5PM for 'Coming Together: Can we Bridge our Country's Divisions?' a panel discussion with experts from around the country. Registration is available at www.americanpublicsquare.org/events.

Who should be held accountable? In Episode #35 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan share frustrations and reactions to the mob of rioters that breached the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021 to prevent Congress from affirming the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. Mike and Allan analyze what lead to this unfortunate, historic event with attention to the inconsistency of how this group of rioters were treated versus how Black Lives Matter protestors were treated in the Summer of 2020.

In the last episode of 2020, Episode #34 features a dive into the headlines including, but not limited: to the op-ed written in the Wall Street Journal about First-Lady Elect's (Dr. Jill Biden) title, the ongoing effort to undermine the 2020 Election Results, and the first doses of the COVID 19 vaccine. Mike and Allan round out the episode by sharing what they look forward to in 2021. Join APS and #BothSides in 2021 for continued civil dialogue and friendly banter. Look for new episodes in January 2021.