In this episode of This Old Democracy, host Micah Sifry engages with political scientist Lee Drutman, a senior fellow in the Political Reform program at New America, to discuss the challenges facing American democracy, particularly the two-party system and its implications for public engagement and political health.

Drutman argues for the necessity of a multi-party democracy, exploring concepts like fusion voting and proportional representation as potential solutions to the current political crisis. The conversation delves into the dangers of hyper-partisanship, the role of public trust in democracy, and the historical context that shapes our current political landscape, ultimately emphasizing the importance of hope and civic engagement in the face of adversity.

To learn more about Drutman's analysis, read his book, Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America, and subscribe to his Substack: Undercurrent Events.