The Gist In Defense of Partisanship
Jan 16, 2025
Julian Zelizer, a Princeton professor and CNN political analyst, champions the idea that partisanship, often seen as negative, can actually enhance political efficiency. He dives into the complexities of humanitarian issues linked to hostage exchanges and critiques current bipartisan struggles. Zelizer also reflects on the historical evolution of partisanship, especially since the Gingrich era, and discusses the growing influence of oligarchs on democracy, highlighting billionaire rivalries that shape political landscapes.
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Episode notes
Partisanship's Value
- Mike Pesca appreciates bipartisanship and moderate solutions.
- However, he recognizes that partisanship isn't inherently bad.
Strong vs. Hyper-Partisanship
- Strong parties can be more effective at reaching bipartisan agreements.
- Recent hyper-partisanship features norm-breaking and power pursuits.
Party Imbalance
- The GOP is less invested in government functionality than Democrats.
- Total gridlock or obstruction impacts Democrats more due to their focus on government programs.
