Why Is There So Much Polarization in Politics?

About this episode:

Michael Shermer and Yuval Levin discuss the current state of American politics, the division and polarization in society, and the role of political parties. They also talk about the Donald Trump assassination attempt, the need for negotiation and coalition-building in politics, and the importance of strong institutions in preserving democracy.

They also explore the ideas of the founding fathers, such as Madison's views on government and the need to control both the governed and the government itself.

The conversation also touches on the tension between the conservative and progressive worldviews, the concept of human equality, and the role of rationality in determining moral values. It concludes with a discussion on potential reforms in the political system, including the primary system and campaign finance.

Yuval Levin is the director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute. The founder and editor of National Affairs, he is also a senior editor at the New Atlantis, a contributing editor at National Review, and a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times.