Author and NPR Morning Edition co-host Steve Inskeep discusses the importance of dissent in democracy, drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln's success in a divided America. They explore utilizing dissent for incremental gains, Frederick Douglass's approach to disagreement, and the dangers of conspiracy theories and social media in promoting radicalization.
Finding common ground and building coalitions is essential in a divided America, even if unanimous agreement is not possible.
Engaging in dialogue with diverse voices, even when disagreements arise, is crucial for democracy.
Deep dives
The Importance of Finding Agreement in a Divided America
In the podcast episode, the speaker discusses the importance of finding agreement and building coalitions in a divided America, drawing lessons from Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Even though Lincoln couldn't persuade everyone to change their minds, he sought to find common ground and narrow areas of agreement with individuals who held opposing views. The speaker emphasizes that in a democracy, disagreement is inherent, and the goal should be to have a majority on board rather than unanimous agreement. The speaker highlights Lincoln's ability to sustain a majority, even while facing vehement opposition, as a crucial aspect of his achievement.
The Role of Different Voices in Reshaping a Diverse Nation
The podcast explores the value of incorporating diverse voices and differing perspectives in reshaping an increasingly complex and diverse nation. It emphasizes the importance of listening to different people, even if there may be frustrations or disagreements, as engaging in conversations with diverse voices is an essential aspect of democracy. The speaker acknowledges that having conversations with individuals who hold opposing views may not always lead to persuasion, but it can help identify narrow areas of agreement and leverage those for progress. The speaker emphasizes the significance of engaging in dialogue, even if it feels challenging or morally conflicting.
The Limits of Persuasion and Dealing with Political Violence
The podcast addresses the limits of persuasion and highlights a historical example where Abraham Lincoln met with Duff Green, a conspiracy theorist, in an attempt to find common ground and reach a compromise, but ultimately failed. The speaker emphasizes that there are limits to persuading individuals who have already decided to disengage from the democratic process or who hold extreme and harmful views. The podcast also acknowledges the existence of political violence in American history and the potential for its occurrence, though it states that a large-scale civil war is unlikely. Instead, it suggests that political violence, while concerning, has been historically normal and highlights the importance of being mentally prepared for such events.
The Role of Public Opinion in Checking Supreme Court Decisions
The podcast discusses the role of public opinion in checking the decisions of the Supreme Court. It highlights that the justices of the court recognize the importance of public support and faith in the court's judgments. While judges ideally base their decisions solely on the law, public opinion can influence the court's credibility and legitimacy. The speaker mentions Chief Justice Roberts as an institutionalist who aims to preserve the court's credibility, even though there may be disagreements on specific issues. The podcast underscores the potential influence of public opinion on the court's decisions and the recognition that the court itself can be a check on undemocratic actions.
Over the last several years our politics has been pushed from a place of collaboration to bold faced loyalty tests. In his latest book: Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America, our guest, author and NPR Morning Edition co-host, Steve Inskeep, discusses with Waj and Danielle why dissent necessary and is as American as apple pie!
