Let's Find Common Ground

Partisan divides are as deep as ever. Most Americans are exhausted by the dysfunction and divisions in American politics. Some scholars claim the country is on the brink of civil war. But several recent polls suggest that clear majorities of voters agree on many issues.

We dive into the data from two different groups that study American attitudes and beliefs.

Kate Carney is chief of staff for the nonpartisan research organization, More in Common. Her work aims to help build strong communities for a strong country.

John Geer is a professor of political science and leads the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy. He discusses findings from Vanderbilt's which tracks trust in institutions and democracy.

Hear some of their surprising findings on this episode of "Let's Find Common Ground".

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins education experts, Pedro Noguera, Macke Raymond, and Dr. Darline Robles, for a conversation on education reform and policy. They discuss the politics of public education, the role of parental rights, why some public schools are failing, what makes some charter schools successful when others struggle, whether or not taxpayer funds should be used to provide vouchers to parents who send students to private schools or home school, and which educational reforms should be supported, studied, or rejected. In partnership with USC Rossier School of Education, USC Price Center for Inclusive Democracy, USC Political Union (a Bridge USA chapter), and USC Political Student Assembly. Featuring:

• Pedro Noguera: Dean, USC Rossier School of Education
• Margaret "Macke" Raymond: Director, Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University
• Dr. Darline P. Robles: Professor of Clinical Education, USC Rossier School of Education; USC Associate Dean for Equity and Community Engagement; Former Superintendent, Los Angeles County Office of Education
• Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

Soon after Joe Biden became president he said in his inaugural address that wanted to bring Americans together, to forge unity. But maybe unity isn't what we should aim for. Our guest this week says instead of focusing on that elusive goal, Americans need to concentrate on what's damaging all of us: toxic polarization.

In this episode we look at what toxic polarization is, how it got worse in recent decades, and how to end it, person-by-person. We learn about the role played by Common Ground Committee and other groups— local and national— in the bridging community.

Peter Coleman has advised the Biden administration on how to detoxify America. He is a well-known mediator and psychologist who specializes in conflict resolution. A professor of psychology and education at Columbia University, he is the author of the book, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization.

Acclaimed musician and recording artist Daryl Davis has interviewed hundreds of KKK members and other White supremacists and influenced many of them to renounce their racist ideology.

We hear his brave and remarkable story. Daryl's personal quest began many years ago, after a concert when he was in a country music band. A card-carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan praised his piano playing. Daryl recognized that he had an opportunity to ask an important question about racism: "How can you hate me when you don't even know me?"

Daryl Davis is the author of "Klan-Destine Relationships"— the first book written about the Ku Klux Klan by a Black writer. His work in race relations has been highlighted in speaker series across the country. His documentary film, "Accidental Courtesy", features his process of conversation and understanding to bridge differences and promote racial reconciliation.

Independent voters make up well over 40 percent of the voting public. But you wouldn't know that from media coverage, which focuses almost exclusively on red versus blue. Independents are often overlooked or seen as wishy-washy, bending in the wind. Our guests on this episode say that's a big misconception.

In this show, we look at a huge group of voters, including many young people, who make up a growing slice of the US population. Significantly, the number of American voters identifying as independent is at a record high.

Our guests are both political experts. Jackie Salit is the author of Independents Rising and president of Independent Voting, an organization dedicated to bringing respect, recognition, and reform to independent voters. John Opdycke is president of Open Primaries, which campaigns for primary elections in which every American can participate, not just registered Republicans or Democrats.

Jonathan Martin, POLITICO senior political reporter, joins political experts, Nick Troiano and Kimberly Wyman, for a conversation on the state of democracy, election reforms, and the structural challenges of American politics.

Featuring:

• Nick Troiano: Founding Executive Director, Unite America
• Kimberly Wyman: Former Secretary of State, Washington State; Election Security Expert CISA
• Jonathan Martin: Senior Political Reporter, POLITICO

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy joins Sasha Issenberg and Michael Rich for a conversation on the growing prevalence and impact of misinformation and disinformation in our politics. Featuring: · Sasha Issenberg: Award-winning Author on Modern Campaigns & Marriage Equality · Michael Rich: President and CEO, RAND Corporation (2011-2022) · Mike Murphy: Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst

FOX 11 News Co-Anchor Elex Michaelson joins political experts, John Anzalone, Stephanie Cutter, and Jessica Millan Patterson, for a conversation on the 2024 general election, including the key voting issues this election, Donald Trump's appeal to voters, and the role of third parties.

Featuring:

• John Anzalone: Founder, Impact Research; Biden Pollster
• Stephanie Cutter: Co-Founder, Precision Strategies; Obama 2012 Deputy Campaign Manager
• Jessica Millan Patterson: Chairwoman, California Republican Party
• Elex Michaelson: Host "The Issue Is"; Co-Anchor, FOX 11 News

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins political and media experts, Chris Cadelago, Jane Coaston, John McConnell, and Carissa Joy Smith, for a conversation on the 2024 primary elections and its impact on the upcoming general election.

Featuring:

• Chris Cadelago: POLITICO's California Bureau Chief; Former White House Correspondent
• Jane Coaston: "The Argument" Podcast Host, The New York Times; Spring 2024 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future
• John McConnell: Senior Speechwriter for President George W. Bush & Vice President Dick Cheney; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future
• Carissa Joy Smith: Vice President of FOX Corporation for Government Relations
• Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

In this presidential election year, partisan divides cause political gridlock and distrust. We're encouraged to believe that we're right and those on the other side are ignorant, stupid, or evil. But avoiding awkward conversations with those we disagree with is a big reason why America is so bitterly divided.

Journalist, bridge builder, and author Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of conservative Mexican immigrant parents. We hear the personal story told with humor and passion of how Mónica set out to understand what divides America. In this episode of "Let's Find Common Ground", we discuss practical ways to use our own sense of curiosity to have cross-partisan conversations with colleagues, friends, and family.

Mónica is the author of the book "I Never Thought Of It That Way". She serves as Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and hosts the podcast series, "A Braver Way".