The unifying effect of COVID-19 and a focus on what we have in common

According to a recent survey, 99% of Progressive Activists in America feel that immigration is good for America while 98% of Devoted Conservatives think it’s bad.  97% of the activists think the police treat African Americans more violently than others while 93% of the conservatives think police are mostly fair to all races. And 99% of the activists disapprove of Donald Trump while 98% of the conservatives approve of him.

While these numbers reveal polarization in the extreme, there’s good news.  It turns out that these two groups don’t represent the majority of Americans – a majority that is sick and tired of this divide and thinks we have more in common than not.

Tonight, we’re joined by Dan Vallone from More In Common, an organization that has been studying our growing political divide. Dan joins us to talk about the results of their 2018 polarization survey and the work they’re doing to bridge the divide.  He’ll also fill us in on the results of a study they just released called Polarization and the Pandemic: How COVID-19 is Changing Us.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Some suggestions for how to get a more realistic understanding of people on the other side of the divide.

More suggestions for bridging the divide.

COVID-19 sparks economic concerns, unity, and gratitude.

The frightening side of our divisions.

FULL DAN VALLONE INTERVIEW

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For more information: More In Common Website

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough