We discuss the role of the political parties and the media in shaping the landscape of contemporary American democracy.
Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
Leading Off (1:24) - We discuss the Senate power-sharing agreement between Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell and the fate of the filibuster. Link: Politico on the power-sharing agreement.
Required Reading (3:39) - Prof. Corbin leads us through the opening chapters of part 2 of volume 1 of Democracy in America and Plato’s reflections on the degeneration of democracy in The Republic, with a focus on the roles of parties, associations, and the press in American self-government. The assignment for next week: “On the Omnipotence of the Majority in the United States and its Effects” (pages 235-249 in the Mansfield/Winthrop edition).
Headlines (32:02) - We consider the political consequences of the deep partisan divide and close elections with unstable majorities that characterize our contemporary politics. Links: Chuck Devore, writing at The Federalist; Robert Reich at The Guardian; Yuval Levin at National Review; National Review on the Cheney vote; Politico on the censure effort against Sen. Sasse.
Open the Gradebook (46:55) - The San Francisco School Board recently decided to rename forty-four schools, including those named in honor of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. We grade four ways to choose names that will be able to stay on the right side of history. Links: The Atlantic on the San Francisco school board decision; BabyNames.com random name generator.
Tocqueville's Crystal Ball (55:05) - Much to Matt’s disappointment and Dave’s delight, Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow last week, consigning the Northeast to six more weeks of winter. This week, we make our Super Bowl picks.
Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.
Instagram: @DemocracyinAmericaToday
Email: DemocracyinAmericaToday@gmail.com
Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.
