Washington Today Weekend Edition: Political Polarization in the U.S., Jimmy Kimmel & the FCC, and FDA's new approach on vaccine policy and autism research
Sep 27, 2025
Tim Roemer, a former Democratic congressman, and Tom Wheeler, former FCC chairman, join the conversation on polarizing politics and media regulation. Roemer discusses bipartisan efforts to reduce polarization, emphasizing gerrymandering reforms. Wheeler addresses the Jimmy Kimmel controversy, criticizing the FCC's overreach into broadcasting content and warning against coercive tactics. The segment concludes with a discussion on the FDA's new stance on acetaminophen during pregnancy and its implications for autism research.
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Cross-Partisan Reform Focus
- Issue One focuses on uniting Americans behind the Constitution and strengthening democracy above party.
- The group brings bipartisan former officials together to lower political temperature and restore public trust.
Polarization Has Turned Dangerous
- Polarization has become extreme and dangerous, producing violence and eroding trust.
- Charles Boustany argues lowering the temperature requires restoring institutions and finding bipartisan problem-solving.
Restore Committee-Driven Lawmaking
- Restore the committee process so members must negotiate and produce bipartisan legislation.
- Seek co-sponsors across the aisle early to reduce top-down partisan control of bills.