The Gray Area with Sean Illing An enlightening, frustrating conversation on liberalism (with Adam Gopnik)
Jun 27, 2019
Adam Gopnik, a writer for The New Yorker and author of A Thousand Small Sanities, passionately discusses the nature of liberalism. He argues that it's more of a temperament than a rigid ideology, delving into its historical complexities and contemporary relevance. The conversation navigates the paradox of liberal values, critiques of military intervention, and the challenges of governance. Gopnik emphasizes the importance of dialogue across polarized communities, while reflecting on Baird Rustin's contributions to civil rights and the evolving face of social activism.
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Defining Liberalism
- Liberalism is a nuanced concept with various interpretations.
- It's crucial to differentiate between its practical application and its ideological underpinnings.
Liberalism as a Temperament
- Liberalism is more of a temperament than a rigid ideology.
- It emphasizes practical solutions and a nuanced approach over fixed beliefs.
Obama vs Sanders: Temperament
- Barack Obama embodies the liberal temperament with his inclusive rhetoric.
- Bernie Sanders, conversely, seems to hold a more fixed, and arguably less liberal, temperament.
