The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Why we can't give up on persuasion

Apr 17, 2023

Anand Giridharadas, author of "The Persuaders" and a political analyst for MSNBC, joins to discuss the crucial role of persuasion in democracy. He tackles the dangers of polarization and highlights how emotional appeals can be more effective than mere facts. The conversation emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing and deeper engagement to reclaim democratic narratives. They explore innovative strategies like deep canvassing and advocate for a compassionate dialogue to connect with those feeling lost in today's political landscape.

53:41

Episode guests

Anand Giridharadas

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Importance of Persuasion in the Story of Democracy

00:31

Reclaiming patriotism and freedom as progressive values

00:47

The Great Delusion of the Political Moment

00:33

Intro

2min

The Art of Persuasion in Democracy

15min

The Politics of Attention in Democracy

5min

Persuasion in a Divided World

17min

Engaging Through Deep Canvassing: A Path to Persuasion

5min

Fear, Loathing, and Hope

8min

Sean Illing is joined by Anand Giridharadas, author of The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy. Together they discuss how polarity is a threat to our democracy, the organizing efforts that are effective, and why there's hope for a less divisive future in America.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area

Guest: Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites), author

References:

The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy by Anand Giridharadas (Penguin Random House, 202)
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World (Penguin Random House, 2022)
Amanda Marcotte
“Meet the woman behind Libs of TikTok, secretly fueling the right’s outrage machine” by Taylor Lorenz (The Washington Post, Apr. 19th, 2022)
Anat Shenker-Osorio
People’s Action Institute

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Engineer: Patrick Boyd
Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall

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