Steve Inskeep, NPR journalist and author of "Differ We Must," discusses the art of navigating disagreement by looking to Abraham Lincoln's political genius during a divided era. He illustrates how Lincoln fostered coalitions and embraced differing viewpoints, offering insights for today's polarized climate. The conversation also creatively imagines Lincoln's potential social media presence while critiquing the current political landscape and the challenges of journalistic objectivity. Inskeep's reflections make for a thought-provoking exploration of politics, past and present.
Building coalitions and finding compromise are essential for effective governance in a divided political climate.
The media faces challenges in covering divisive figures and navigating the debate over objectivity versus specificity in journalism.
Political parties need to reach across the aisle and appeal to a broader range of voters to secure victories in future elections.
Deep dives
Reaching Across the Aisle: Lessons from Lincoln
The podcast episode discusses the importance of reaching across the aisle and finding common ground, drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln's approach to disagreements. The host explores how Lincoln understood the power of appealing to people's self-interest and finding common interests, even when dealing with individuals who held repulsive views. The episode emphasizes the need for politicians to build coalitions and find compromise in order to govern effectively. It also touches on the challenges faced by the media in covering divisive figures like Donald Trump and the ongoing debate over objectivity versus specificity in journalistic coverage.
Disagreement in a Divided America
The podcast delves into the topic of disagreement in today's highly polarized political climate. It highlights how political leaders and democracies need to focus on assembling majorities and finding common ground, even on difficult and divisive issues. The episode references the challenges faced by both the Republican and Democratic parties in achieving consensus and making progress on important policy matters. It also discusses the role of the media and the need for truthful, specific reporting that goes beyond mere neutrality to provide clarity and context.
The Role of NPR and Public Funding in Journalism
The episode touches on the role of NPR and public funding in journalism. It acknowledges the challenges faced by media organizations in gaining trust and navigating partisan divides in an era of self-selecting news consumption. The discussions emphasize that NPR's listeners come from diverse political backgrounds, mirroring the broader population. The episode also explores the need for journalism to be specific, honest, and frank in its reporting, while acknowledging individual biases and experiences. It examines the ongoing debate over neutrality versus truthfulness and the importance of providing factual information to inform public discourse.
The Importance of Building Broad Coalitions in Politics
In order to govern successfully and assemble a majority, it is crucial for the winning side to reach out to opposing parties and states. Democrats, in particular, need to have more support in red states to overcome the disadvantages they face in the Electoral College and the United States Senate. Republicans, on the other hand, must reflect on their campaign strategies and appeal to a wider range of voters, especially in suburban areas where their support has eroded. Building broader coalitions becomes essential for both parties to secure victories in future elections.
The Resonance Between Historical and Contemporary Rhetoric
The podcast highlights the striking similarities between the rhetoric and conspiracy theories employed by figures in the past, such as Lincoln's era, and those that persist today. It demonstrates how certain rhetorical tropes and political ideas, such as linking immigration with illegal voting, have endured over time. While the podcast suggests that the current political climate does not indicate an immediate risk of civil war, it acknowledges the presence of political violence. The discussion emphasizes the need for media literacy and a historical perspective to better understand the significance of contemporary divisions and to foster patience in addressing them.
In a time of a divided House (and divided GOP) — not to mention polarized social media — how can you engage through disagreement? Abraham Lincoln may have some clues, as Steve Inskeep deduces. The journalist and host of NPR’s Morning Edition has a new book, “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America,” which details the political life and legacy of Lincoln through the lens of disagreement and understands how the 16th president practiced politics skillfully in order to assemble a majority and navigate the country through The Civil War. Kara and Steve also imagine what Lincoln’s social media feed would look like, compare him to Donald Trump and Joe Biden and grapple with whether “objectivity” is the best north star for journalism today.
Questions or comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza
