Common ground in politics seems more and more like a fleeting dream, a relic of the past. But it is attainable--and there are actionable ways for all of us to get there.

This week's Politics with Paul guest, Nathan C. Smolensky, discusses what these practical tips are. Nathan also talks about how to make constructive dialogue more conducive to winning elections, whether you can have a civil conversation with anyone, and why hostile reactions to political views (even if justified) don't help solve anything.

(0:00) Introduction to Nathan Smolensky, Common Ground in Politics

(1:41) What Brought Nathan Into the Political Arena

(5:55) Why Nathan Worked with the Florida Forward Party

(12:00) Why Nathan Wrote "Common Ground From the Ground Up"

(16:18) Making Civility More Appealing to Those Who Don't Seek it Out

(19:39) Civility is NOT Politeness, Ideas Don't Inherently Conflict

(25:17) Justified in Being Hostile Does NOT Mean it Helps Discussion

(26:35) Is it Possible to Have a Civil Conversation with ANYONE?

(31:47) How Do We Incentivize Constructive Dialogue in Elections?

(39:28) Constructive Dialogue and More Competitive Congressional Elections

(43:40) When Did Our Fracturing Begin? And Encouraging Signs of Fixing it

(49:05) Being Collaborative When Discussing Moral Issues

(54:30) What About People Who Overestimate Their Open-Mindedness?

(1:00:58) Final Thoughts on Finding Common Ground

(1:03:24) Random ? of the Day: Most Annoying Common Phrases

(1:09:58) Closing and Our Media