America's political divisions seem insurmountable, yet beneath the surface lies a compelling counternarrative: the moderate middle hasn't disappeared—it's just been silenced. In this episode, Dr. Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, to discuss the surprising vitality of centrist politics (and centrist voters) in a polarized age.The numbers tell an unexpected story. With 35% of Americans identifying as moderate (compared to 36% conservative and 26% liberal), and nearly half of voters calling themselves independents, the politically homeless constitute a sleeping giant in American politics. Research from the Independent Center reveals these voters often hold nuanced positions that transcend partisan binaries—typically leaning left on social issues while favoring conservative economic approaches.We discuss the psychology driving our political dysfunction and Dr. Forcum explains how we've transformed political parties from governing partners into tribal identities—"in-groups" we cooperate with and "out-groups" we compete against. "Democracy wasn't designed for this kind of outgroup behavior," she says. When we view opposing parties as enemies rather than collaborators, we are attacking democracy's essential foundation.Perhaps most hopeful is Dr. Forcum's observation that local politics still functions because it demands cooperation: "Trash needs collecting, roads need paving—these necessities force us to work together." This pragmatic approach to governance closely resembles what independent voters want nationally. By building a stronger independent identity and embracing political participation beyond partisan warfare, these moderate voters might hold the key to breaking America's political deadlock.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Josh Weil, Democratic candidate for Florida's 6th Congressional District, joins Deep Dive to discuss what could be one of the most consequential special elections in American history. A public school teacher and single father, Weil explains why his April 1st race represents more than just a local contest – it's potentially the first domino in Democrats' path to regaining control of the House.With Republicans currently holding the slimmest House majority in historical memory, the stakes couldn't be higher. Weil articulates how flipping a seat that went Republican by 32 points would send shockwaves through the GOP, demonstrating that there is no job security from Donald Trump's endorsement. This message could fundamentally alter how Republican representatives approach their roles, forcing them to be more responsive to constituents rather than blindly following party leadership.What makes Weil's campaign particularly fascinating is his embrace of progressive policies in a traditionally conservative district. He challenges conventional wisdom about Democratic messaging, arguing that the party has failed in messaging for over a decade while offering concrete examples of missed opportunities to connect with working-class voters. Weil doesn't hold back criticism of his own party, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's inability to extract concessions during recent negotiations, demonstrating his commitment to honest assessment over partisan loyalty.The conversation weaves between local campaign strategy and national implications, highlighting how special elections occurring outside the typical cycle allow candidates to focus more directly on constituent concerns. As Weil puts it, drawing from his 13 years teaching in Title I schools.Whether you're in Florida's 6th district or simply concerned about the future of American democracy, this episode provides critical context for understanding what's at stake on April 1st.Josh Weil for CongressGay Valimont for CongressVote in Florida-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

In the United States, it's difficult to imagine how civil violence could break out in the United States - how civic and political breakdown could actually manifest in our neighborhoods. The Troubles - the conflict that tore Northern Ireland apart for decades - offer a stark warning for America's increasingly polarized society. In this episode, Oisin Feeney, creator of the acclaimed "The Troubles" podcast, walks us through how a society descended from peaceful civil rights protests into thirty years of paramilitary violence, bombings, and assassinations.This conversation helps explain how ordinary communities became battlegrounds. Feeney explains how Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists retreated to extremes when moderate voices could no longer be heard, and how paramilitaries filled the vacuum when people lost faith in government institutions.The parallels to America's current situation are impossible to ignore. From the rise of paramilitary-adjacent groups to increasing political violence, from deep economic inequality to the drowning out of moderate voices, the warning signs are flashing. Feeney discusses how violence becomes normalized, how communities cope with prolonged conflict, and what the difficult peace process in Northern Ireland can teach us about both the fragility and resilience of democratic societies.The lesson? Societies can fracture quickly, but rebuilding takes generations. For Americans concerned about our democratic future, this conversation offers critical perspective on what's at stake and what we must protect before it's too late.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Dr. Michael Albertus, professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, and author of the book Land Power: Who Has It, Who Doesn't, and How That Determines the Fate of Societies, as well as the recent Foreign Affairs article The Coming Age of Territorial Expansion, joins the pod to discuss the history of land power, land owernship, territorial ambitions and their larger implications on global politics and socio-economic disparity. As Donald Trump advocates for claims on territories like Greenland, Canada, and parts of Panama, we question the ramifications of such rhetoric on international relations and American democracy.We trace the colonial roots that continue to influence income inequality and social mobility across America, and encourage listeners to ponder the potential crises triggered by climate change-induced migrations that may force us to reconsider land ethics. Furthermore, Dr. Albertus discusses how our current understanding of land ownership and public policy may need re-evaluation to promote equity and shared resources, engaging directly with the delicate balance between private land investment and collective societal benefit. By examining this concept of land power, and these contemporary issues facing America with age-old conflicts over land, power, and resources, Dr. Albertus urges us to think critically about the paths we pursue to safeguard our democracy against the backdrop of shifting global realities. -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Have you ever considered leaving the United States - for more affordable healthcare, a lower cost of living, less political chaos? If so, our limited podcast series "Leaving America" will be your guide to answering all of the questions you might have! Coming this summer on the Deep Dive with Shawn podcast feed. Follow us now for updates!----------Song: Happy Whistle by SoundHills Music provided by https://protunes.net Video Link: https://bit.ly/3XPYSlE -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Is Bill Clinton responsible for this Trump Era? In this episode, Dr. Nelson Lichtenstein, professor of History at UC Santa Barbara, and co-author of the book A Fabulous Failure: The Clinton Presidency and the Transformation of American Capitalism joins the pod to examine the complexities of Bill Clinton's presidency and its enduring effects on American democracy today. We discuss how Clinton’s embrace of neoliberalism, exemplified through policies like welfare reform and NAFTA, caused rifts within the Democratic Party and set the stage for right-wing populism. As we dig into the consequences of prioritizing political pragmatism and bipartisanship over progressive ideals, we ask: did Clinton's era create an environment ripe for the rise of figures like Donald Trump?Dr. Lichtenstein highlights political dynamics during the 1990s, the importance of maintaining a strong, progressive base, and lessons that contemporary Democrats can apply as they navigate today's political landscape, while encouraging reflection on labor's role, coalition-building among progressives, and strategies for re-engaging disillusioned voters. -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

One month into Trump's second term and his actions, thus far, have been described as chaotic, anarchic, cruel, mercurial, authoritarianian, etc. At minimum, it's clear that Trump is single-mindedly focused on systematically dismantling the very institutions designed to uphold democracy. Our guest this week, Dr. Russell Muirhead, professor of Democracy and Politics at Dartmouth, and co-author of "Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos" has a word for this to help us understand this concept - this experience. We discuss this disruptive strategy, tracing its dangerous evolution and impact on American democracy, especially during the Trump administration. From the philosophical seeds planted by Reagan to today's political climate, we examine how this shift from small government to outright chaos threatens to erode the societal bonds that hold democracy together.We also examine how ungoverning permeates state politics and even the judiciary. Through the volatile role of the Supreme Court and state resistance, we discuss the increasing polarization and fragmentation of political alliances. Considerations on single-party states illustrate how these political strongholds potentially serve as bastions of resistance or exacerbation of national divides. In this context, Dr. Muirhead provides a critical lens on the intricate relationship between political loyalty and governance – a crucial factor in understanding the current state of American politics.Finally, we talk about the human element of this political upheaval, the shifting attitudes of the American electorate, and the crucial role of public engagement in safeguarding democracy. -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Can rising insurance premiums finally make climate change a reality for everyone? And, what does it mean for the world that climate change denier Donald Trump has returned to the American presidency? Jonathan Mingle, journalist and author of "Fire and Ice," joins the podcast to explore the tangible impacts of climate change on everyday life. We discuss the disturbing projections of a world three degrees warmer and the looming crisis of insurability in the U.S. We also examine political challenges and the potential impacts of a second Trump presidency on global climate action, highlighting the stark choices and immediate actions needed to address these issues amidst seeming federal inaction.There is an urgent need to break free from our fossil fuel dependency and rethink our energy, agriculture, and land use systems for a climate-stable future. So, we discuss the current impacts of climate change, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and heatwaves, which are not just future threats but present realities. Our discussion spans from the tangible effects on regions like New England and Vermont to the broader socio-political implications, including mass migrations, rising nationalism, and xenophobia, drawing parallels with historical events like the Arab Spring.Messaging plays a critical role in the climate change debate, and we examine the challenges of crafting a universally compelling narrative that transcends political divides. Despite widespread support for climate initiatives, political messaging remains contentious, and Jonathan highlights the importance of building coalitions to advance meaningful action. Finally, we highlight the environmental and health impacts of black carbon, the pressing need to rethink democratic structures for better climate outcomes, and the importance of both individual and corporate responsibility in addressing these urgent environmental challenges.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

What if the United States could peacefully resolve its deep political rifts through secession? Dr. Jason Sorens, a leading expert on secessionism and author of the book Secessionism, joins the pod to discuss the legal, historical, and cultural dimensions of secession in America. The contentious idea has gained renewed interest following Donald Trump's re-election in 2024, and we examine the complexity of secessionist movements from California to Texas to Cascadia and more. Recognizing the confines of the Supreme Court's defining 1869 Texas v. White ruling about the legality of secession, we question whether a breakup might actually bridge the political chasm dividing progressives and conservatives across the nation.We also discuss the dynamics shaping current secession discourse, from the redrawing of state boundaries to the culture clashes within states that complicate these efforts. Drawing comparisons with international movements, such as Greenland's path to greater independence and the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, Dr. Sorens provides a nuanced perspective on the potential paths states might consider. We examine the challenges of forming new nations and the delicate balance between self-determination and the cohesion required to sustain a united country.Finally, we dig into the relationship between partisanship and polarization in America, contemplating whether secessionist rhetoric is merely a symptom of deeper societal divides. With examples like Vermont's quest for greater policy autonomy, we consider innovative solutions that focus on self-governance as an alternative to outright separation. Ultimately, our conversation seeks to answer this question: can unity be achieved through separation?-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

In this episode, Dr. Sandro Galea - physician, epidemiologist, and author of numerous books including The Turning Point: Reflections on a Pandemic - joins the pod to discuss the hidden physical and mental health costs of political division and harmful policies. We talk about how social polarization affects individual and collective wellbeing, and Dr. Galea shares some strategies for maintaining mental health in an increasingly divided world. This is essential listening for anyone feeling overwhelmed by today's political climate. -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock