American Democracy in the Balance: From Partisanship to Gerrymandering with Dr. Laurel Harbridge-Yong

Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig

Is the spirit of bipartisanship gasping its last breath? Today's conversation with Dr. Laurel Harbridge-Yong, Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University and an authority on the subject, might just surprise you. We’ll journey into the heart of American politics, exploring the ramifications of polarization, the push and pull of primary voters, and the strategic game of redistricting.
We’ll dissect how our elected representatives navigate the tricky path between appeasing primary voters and general electorates, and delve into the concept of the primary premium, particularly in safe seats. Drawing from Dr. Harbridge-Yong's research, we examine the seismic shifts within the Republican and Democratic parties and the disparities between them. Also on our agenda is the controversial practice of gerrymandering - an exercise that shapes our districts, our representation, and potentially strains our democracy.
As we navigate through these complex themes, our final port of call is the state of American democracy itself. We’ll grapple with the explanations for the rise of polarization, the role of money in politics, and the shifting perception of democratic norms. Is it all doom and gloom, or do glimmers of hope persist? Join us as we embark on this provocative exploration of American politics, with an ending that will leave you optimistic about the future of our democracy.
Recommended:
Is Bipartisanship Dead - Laurel Harbridge-Yong
Rejecting Compromise - Sarah E. Anderson, Daniel M. Butler, & Laurel Harbridge-Yong

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Chapters

1. Bipartisanship in American Politics (00:00:00)

2. Rising Partisanship and Polarization in Politics (00:14:28)

3. Primary Voters' Influence on American Politics (00:25:03)

4. The Impact of Gerrymandering on Representation (00:36:59)

5. The State of American Democracy (00:46:03)

6. Straining Democracy (00:54:54)