In this episode, we discuss ideas and political divisions in American politics with Dr. Kevin Mattson. Dr. Mattson received his B.A. from the New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. His research focuses on intellectual history and political culture in the United States. He is the author of numerous books, including We’re Not Here to Entertain: Punk Rock, Ronald Reagan and the Real Culture War of 1980s America and What the Heck Are you Up To, Mr. President?: Jimmy Carter, America’s Malaise, and the Speech that Should Have Changed the Country.

Perfecting Democracy explores the topic of civic and electoral participation using history and jurisprudence to illuminate contemporary issues. This series offers a humanities perspective on electoral engagement in Ohio and America’s multivocal democracy. In each episode, experts from around the state share thought-provoking insights on how best to understand our democracy and why it matters. This program was funded by the ‘Why It Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation’ initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils, and funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.