Texas Democrats, Gaza Famine, and Talking Across Differences

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Aug 5, 2025

David Litt, a New York Times bestselling author and former speechwriter for Barack Obama, shares his journey of building an unlikely friendship with his brother-in-law through surfing. He reflects on the need for dialogue across political divides, especially in a polarized world. The conversation also touches on the artistic process of speechwriting and how humor can bridge gaps between differing ideologies. Litt emphasizes finding common ground even amidst serious disagreements in today’s turbulent political landscape.

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INSIGHT

Texas Redistricting Tactics

Redistricting in Texas involves manipulating district maps to concentrate opposing voters into fewer districts.
This strategy reduces opposition representation despite demographic shifts favoring Democrats in cities.

INSIGHT

Gaza's Aid Crisis Complexity

Gaza's famine crisis results from Hamas' infiltration of aid organizations and Israel's control of aid flow.
Food becomes a weapon in the conflict, complicating the humanitarian situation.

INSIGHT

Statehood Risks Empowering Hamas

Recognition of a Palestinian state as a consequence of war could incentivize Hamas to prolong conflict.
Political moves risking legitimizing a hostile entity undermine efforts for peace.

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This week on The Bulletin, Mike and Clarissa discuss Texas Democrats’ decision to flee the state, Israel’s culpability in Gaza’s famine, and the exit of Southern Baptist leader Brent Leatherwood from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Then, Clarissa talks with author and former Obama speechwriter David Litt about developing an unlikely friendship with his brother-in-law and what it looks like to cultivate relationships across differences.

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Read David’s book, It’s Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground
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ABOUT THE GUESTS:

David Litt is a New York Times bestselling author and a semi-finalist for the James Thurber Prize for American Humor. A former senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, David was described as "the comic muse for the president" for his work on the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Since leaving the White House, he's written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, TIME, and The Guardian, among others, and served as a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice.

David appears frequently on CNN and MSNBC and continues to write speeches and jokes for major political figures, Fortune 500 CEOs, leading philanthropists, and NFL quarterbacks. David was the head writer/producer for Funny Or Die D.C. from 2016 to 2018 and has toured dozens of cities as a live storyteller with The Moth.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN:

The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.

The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.

“The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity TodayProducer: Clarissa MollAssociate Producer: Alexa BurkeEditing and Mix: Kevin MorrisMusic: Dan PhelpsExecutive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens

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