

Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right: Anand Giridharadas on Democracy, Dystopia & Becoming American
5 snips Feb 23, 2023
Join Anand Giridharadas, a journalist and author of The Persuaders, as he explores the critical role of persuasion in safeguarding democracy. He delves into why the Right currently excels in messaging and the dangers of contempt in politics. Discussing his immigrant experience, Anand highlights the uniqueness of becoming American and the transformative power of expanding inclusion. With insights on practical common ground in policy, he emphasizes the importance of understanding opponents' values and the need for effective dialogue to navigate our divided society.
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Progress Needs Better Persuasion
- The pro-democracy movement risks losing by failing to grow its coalition and master persuasion.
- Out-competing the far right requires building a movement that's larger, fiercer, and more magnanimous.
Becoming American Is A Radical Strength
- America uniquely promises that immigrants can "become American," which is a radical historical idea worth defending.
- That promise makes the US powerful but also vulnerable to backlash from those who resist sharing the republic.
Childhood Move To France Revealed Belonging
- Anand's family moved to France when he was seven and felt they would 'never belong' there.
- That experience contrasted with America, where becoming American felt possible and transformative to him.