I think i've said this to you before, but the default will eventually be that there'll be a a echo chamber on the left, and a larger echo chambers on the right. And then the people in the middle that haven't taken a side will just say, government doesn't work. So if you can't have any shared facts on these big, big challenges to the country issues your you're done. That's my great worry. The chinese model may not be what anybody wants, but at least they can act, they can move, they can solve things.
On this episode we welcome the Honorable Richard A. Gephardt to explore the challenges and opportunities present in our modern democracy.
In his first-ever podcast appearance, Leader Gephardt details what he believes to be the primary challenges facing the United States today. He explains the conflict of interest between the business plans of social media platforms, civil society, and functioning democracy. He contrasts 9/11 and the Iraq war to current polarization and Jan 6 episode, as well as discusses what he’s doing to help work toward solutions.
Gephardt additionally explains the importance of civic engagement, the importance of public service, and why he feels encouraged by the care that younger generations display for climate change and democracy.
About Richard Gephardt
Richard Gephardt is an attorney, author, lobbyist, and politician who served served 28 years in the United States House of Representatives. He is the President and CEO of the Gephardt Group, where he works to inspire a new understanding of citizenship based on activism to bring about economic, social, and political change.
Gephardt previously served as the United States House Majority Leader (1989-95) and House Minority Leader (1995-2003). He is the author of three books, including An Even Better Place and The American Immigrant: The Outsiders.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/01-dickgephardt