Mehdi Hasan criticizes GOP's impeachment hearing for Biden. Daniel Squadron explains how The States Project assists Democrats in state-level politics. Steve Inskeep discusses his new book on Lincoln's success in a divided America.
Engaging in productive disagreement and finding common ground are crucial skills in a divided democracy.
Understanding Abraham Lincoln's approach to disagreement can offer hope and insights for finding common ground in today's political landscape.
Forming strategic alliances and coalitions, even with those who hold different beliefs, is essential for advancing shared goals in a diverse society.
Deep dives
The importance of engaging in productive disagreement
In this podcast episode, the importance of engaging in productive disagreement is explored through the lens of Abraham Lincoln's leadership during a divided era. Lincoln's ability to have meaningful conversations and find common ground with those who held opposing views is highlighted as an essential skill in a democracy. The episode emphasizes that although changing someone's mind may not always be possible, engaging in dialogue can still lead to valuable insights and potential alliances for advancing important causes.
The relevance of Lincoln's approach to today's divided political landscape
The podcast episode delves into how Abraham Lincoln's approach to disagreement remains relevant in today's divided political landscape. It points out that while the current divide may seem incoherent and frustrating, understanding Lincoln's ability to navigate disagreements can provide hope and insights for finding common ground. The episode underscores the importance of recognizing the value in engaging with those who hold different opinions, even if agreement is not reached. It emphasizes that through these encounters, unique perspectives and potential collaborations can emerge.
The role of alliances and coalition-building in a democracy
The podcast episode highlights the significance of alliances and coalition-building in a diverse and democratic society. It references how Abraham Lincoln managed to form coalitions with people who held different beliefs and backgrounds, including slave owners who fought for the Union side. The episode argues that democracy does not require uniform agreement, but rather relies on assembling a majority that can work together on sensible and shared goals. It underscores the importance of recognizing the value in forming strategic alliances, even with individuals or groups with whom one may strongly disagree on certain issues.
Building Power in State Legislatures
The States Project aims to empower state lawmakers to improve lives with popular values and goals. By providing tools and training, the project seeks to give lawmakers the ability to govern effectively and make a positive impact in the short and long term. This initiative is especially important because state lawmakers have been influenced by organizations like ALEC, which promotes far-right special interest issues.
The Impact of ALEC and Anti-Democratic Tactics
ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, has played a significant role in shaping state legislatures by providing pre-written legislation to lawmakers that aligns with the interests of big corporations and extremist industries. This influence can be seen in various laws, such as those that lower punishments for child labor or promote anti-trans bills. State legislatures are also responsible for crafting cases specifically designed to push the Supreme Court toward certain decisions, highlighting the influence of money and conservative policies in the courts.
MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan criticizes the GOP's impeachment hearing for President Biden as lacking substance. Daniel Squadron from The States Project explains how his organization assists Democrats in state-level politics. NPR's Steve Inskeep provides details about his new book, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America.
