Can the Center Hold? - Examining Partisanship in American Democracy

Explore the challenges facing American democracy in this 52-minute talk from The Aspen Institute. Examine the historical roots of partisanship and its evolution into the current political landscape, where extreme polarization threatens effective governance. Analyze the disconnect between the broad political center, where most Americans' views lie, and the increasingly distant poles dominating party politics. Investigate the factors contributing to this divide, the consequences for congressional functionality, and potential solutions to realign politics with the will of the majority. Gain insights into the complexities of modern American political dynamics and the quest for a more representative democracy.