Episode 5: Polarization

In this episode of the Deep Takes podcast, Chase Acheson and Andrew Sandstrom honor the passing of legendary Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and discuss the political battle that has already ensued surrounding the nomination of her replacement. It is during tragedies like this when America pulls together to recognize the universal brotherhood of all Americans, and in the far past, the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices was less partisan than it is now. Today, rather than uniting us, the constitutional process the Framers created to protect the integrity of the Supreme Court is exposing how polarized our nation has become. Andrew and Chase start by honoring RBG’s passing and the toll it has taken on millions of Americans during an already tense time for US politics. They briefly discuss RBG’s legacy and dive into the history of Supreme court nominations and why partisanship is maybe not the destructive force some think it is. They discuss how the Senate’s blocking of Merrick Garland was not really an attack on the Constitution and may even be evidence that the Constitution is working. Then, they discuss partisanship, polarization, and different approaches to addressing the increasing polarization that characterizes national politics today. Here is the very useful graphic from Pew Research Center illustrating trends in polarization. Here is a graphic of Jonathan Haidt’s Moral Foundations Matrix. Sources referenced in today’s episode: Dan McLaughlin, Why There Has Never Been a Supreme Court Justice Confirmed in the Fall of a Presidential Election Year Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind Arthur Brooks, Love Your Enemies James Caesar, True Blue vs. Deep Red: The Ideas That Move American Politics The Arbinger Institute, The Anatomy of Peace About the show: National media lack high-quality, soul-enriching content that captures the nuance of American politics. At the Deep Takes podcast, co-hosts Chase Acheson and Andrew Sandstrom are trying their darndest to fill that gap. Listen as they penetrate the monolithic echo chamber of "the news" and provide Americans with valuable perspective on important political and social issues. And they promise to not take themselves too seriously in the process. Access additional content and support the show at www.patreon.com/deeptakes