Consider This from NPR

In A Divided America, Can The January 6 Hearing Change Hearts And Minds?

Jul 16, 2022

Didi Kuo, an expert on political polarization from Stanford, delves into the January 6 hearings that exposed the Capitol attack's intricacies. She discusses Stephen Ayers, a former Trump supporter who shifted his stance after reflecting on misinformation. Kuo highlights how the hearings might bridge the stark divisions in American society while emphasizing the role of social media in shaping beliefs. The conversation also tackles the long-standing roots of political polarization and the essential dialogue needed to foster national unity.

17:44

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Didi Kuo

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Examining Political Polarization in the Context of the January 6th Hearings

3min

Understanding Political Polarization

7min

Testimonies That Challenge Political Beliefs in a Divided America

3min

Examining the Political Impact of the January 6 Hearings

4min

Exploring the Impact of January 6 Hearings on National Unity

2min

The televised probe into the mob attack on the Capitol has dropped plenty of bombshells as insider testimonies pull back the curtain on the efforts of former President Donald Trump and his allies to hold onto power after he lost his reelection bid.

But at Tuesday's hearing, one of the most compelling witnesses was not a former staffer or official but Stephen Ayers. A staunch believer in Trump, Ayers came to D.C. on Trump's command and stormed the Capitol. After his arrest, he looked at the facts about the 2020 election and realized he was fed and had believed a lie.

Polls, studies and surveys warn that Americans are deeply and bitterly divided by politics. Can the January 6 hearing help close that partisan gap? We speak with Didi Kuo, Associate Director for Research at Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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