logo
episode-header-image
Jun 27
47m 48s

Are We Really Hopelessly Divided?

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PODCAST NETWORK
About this episode

Before we get into today’s episode, we wanted to let you know this is a re-release as we take some time to regroup over the summer. But we’re not just dusting it off for no reason. If anything, this episode feels even more relevant now than when we first aired it.

It raises a big question: Are voters really thinking for themselves? Or are they just reflexively rejecting anything the other side says?

In this episode, we dig into that question with new experimental research that challenges the conventional wisdom. Are Americans hopelessly divided? Or are they actually more open-minded than we give them credit for—if we present information in the right way?

We’re re-releasing this one because it gives us a more hopeful, evidence-based look at polarization—and how the way we talk about politics might be part of the problem. And if you’re exhausted by the headlines, this episode just might change how you see American voters.

Up next
Today
Does The Supreme Court Need Term Limits?
We're taking some time off to regroup over the summer, but we’re not just dusting off this older episode for no reason. When we first released it, we were grappling with what Supreme Court reform might look like—specifically, whether we should rethink lifetime appointments and mo ... Show More
42m 6s
Jun 12
The Surprising Political Consequences Of Emigration?
Migration policies shape not only the economies of countries but also their politics. In this episode, we dive deep into how letting people leave—or restricting their exit—can have surprising ripple effects on collective action and political reform in their home countries. Yale p ... Show More
54m 44s
May 28
Is Trump Copying Obama’s Playbook on Universities?
What if the recent crackdown on elite universities didn’t start with Trump—but with Obama? In this episode, we trace a surprising through-line connecting Obama’s Title IX enforcement to Trump’s Title VI threats. Harvard Law Professor Jacob Gersen joins us to reveal how both presi ... Show More
57m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Emilee Booth Chapman, "Election Day: How We Vote and What It Means for Democracy" (Princeton UP, 2022)
Emilee Booth Chapman, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, has a new book that examines the idea of the vote, and what this experience means for citizens, for the structure of government, and, as the title indicates, for democracy. Booth Chapman is a p ... Show More
52m 19s
Nov 2024
S6E4: Charisma vs. Policy: What Drives Voter Decisions?
SummaryIn this episode of the Generally American podcast, we discuss the recent election results, reflecting on the implications for the Democratic Party and the political landscape in the U.S. We explore themes of voter turnout, the role of charisma in politics, and the challeng ... Show More
51m 6s
Nov 2024
The Psychology of Last Minute Voters - The hidden mind games controlling the election
Conflicted, Confused, and Ready to Vote - Uncovering the discombobulated thoughts of the great undecided who will sway the election. We dive into the hidden forces in our minds that sway our decisions when we don't know how to decide. From Free Will to Confirmation Bias, Appearan ... Show More
42m 9s
Jul 2024
Turnout for what – How can we get more people to vote?
Labour’s landslide has brought in a new wave of political optimism to the UK. But a  near record poll attendance has been a cause for concern in the weeks following the election. Hannah Fearn is joined by Professor of behavioural science at Kingston University Gaëlle Vallée Toura ... Show More
29m 56s
Jul 2024
169. The Hidden Tax Affecting All Americans with All Voting is Local
In the latest episode of the Financial Feminist podcast, Tori engages in a powerful conversation with voting expert Hannah Fried, Executive Director of All Voting is Local. This episode discusses the critical importance of voting, the deceptive barriers that many face when trying ... Show More
56m 54s
Oct 2024
Take Action: Vote for Future Hindsight!
Future Hindsight is a finalist in the 2024 Signal Awards and we need your help to win the gold!    We’re being recognized in the Activism, Public Service, & Social Impact category for our episode on Policing Equity and Justice with Dr. Phillip Atiba Solomon.    Public voting is o ... Show More
2m 31s
Oct 2024
What’s It Like To Be A College Voter In A Swing State This Election?
Do you want to know what’s happening on college campuses this election cycle? Then look no further, because JVN went to the heart of the matter in 2024 swing state, Michigan, at the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. JVN got to talk to returning guest and Gettin ... Show More
57m 46s
Nov 2024
Too young to vote, but not to care: 3 high schoolers watch the election
In what is one of the most consequential elections in modern US history, many high schoolers had to leave it to other adults to choose the next President, Donald Trump, which will directly impact their futures. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia, LAist K-12 Senior Reporter Mariana D ... Show More
44m 8s
Nov 2024
Elections Explained: A History of Rigged Elections
Invisible ink, delayed flights and political meddling - elections are a symbol of democracy, so how can they become the opposite? Don is joined for this episode by Brian Klaas, co-author of 'How to Rig an Election' to find out. What makes a free and fair election? What techniques ... Show More
36m 21s
May 2024
AANA Election Time!
In this concise episode, Dr. Joseph Rodriguez, CRNA, shares a glimpse into his voting process during the recent elections. He reveals two of his four votes, choosing to keep the remainder confidential to maintain a positive election environment. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes the impor ... Show More
1m 10s