The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts Encore: Disagree Better -- Is That Even Possible?
Dec 25, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a political strategist for Justin Trudeau, explore the challenges of respectful disagreement in today's polarized society. They reveal how adversarial politics serves as a release valve but risks fueling anger. Social media's outpouring of outrage is dissected, alongside the impact of figures like Charlie Kirk on young conservatives. Both guests urge a shift towards leaders who view opponents as citizens and stress the importance of broadening political bases in Canada.
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Politics As A Release Valve
- Politics can act as a release valve allowing aggressive rhetoric to channel public anger constructively.
- That theatrical aggression risks escalation when actors weaponize anger rather than manage it responsibly.
Outrage Is Social Media Currency
- Social media rewards outrage because disagreement is the currency that drives attention and engagement.
- That incentive structure fuels dehumanization and makes literal violence more likely.
Shape Your Voice; Don't Just Tell Youth To Disconnect
- Don't tell young people simply to 'get offline'; instead learn to live in the world we've made and shape your voice responsibly.
- Be conscious about who you amplify and how your political communication contributes to tone and relevance.