Reaching Across the Divide in US Politics, with George Packer
Apr 27, 2022
51:52
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George Packer, journalist and author, discusses the polarized nature of US politics and how to bridge the divide. Topics include the upcoming midterm elections, the significance of Trump's election and Biden's presidency, growing inequality, potential future candidates, division within the Democratic Party, and the power struggle within the Republican Party.
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Quick takeaways
Americans rejecting Donald Trump in the 2020 election reflects a statement of faith in democracy, despite deep divisions in the country.
The divisions in American society, categorized into different groups, reveal differing ideas about values, equality, and the role of identity in politics.
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George Packer is journalist and author whose words, during 15 years as staff writer for the New Yorker and latterly at the Atlantic, have helped frame American public life. His latest book is Last Best Hope: America In Crisis and Renewal, which is now finding its way to shelves as a paperback, and reflects on the polarised nature of US politics and what could be done to bring the two sides closer to consensus. Hosting the discussion is Justin Webb from BBC Radio 4's The Today Programme.