Harvard’s Dr. Tom Patterson returns to the TTP podcast to talk about the future of the Republican Party in the “post-Trump” political landscape. I put “post-Trump” in quotations because, as we discuss in this episode, the influence of Trump on the Republican Party is very much a present force in the current GOP.
Dr. Patterson and I revisit some of the major themes we discussed in our last conversation on challenges facing the Republican Party, then broaden the discussion to include challenges faced by the Democrats when it comes to governance, and the broader implications of a non-functioning Congress to the American political system. It’s a stimulating conversation which locates current events in a much broader historical context than you’ll find in the 24-hour news cycle.
Main topic: The future of the Republican Party
We cover a lot of ground in this episode such as:
- The shifting demographic picture and how it could affect Republicans.
- How Republican control of state houses is used to offset Democratic growth prospects.
- The problems caused by a news media promoting extreme rhetoric and figures within both parties.
- Areas of bipartisan policy agreement and the political roadblocks that prevent cooperation.
- What it would take to “steal” an American election.
Conversation starters
Thinking outside the political media bubbles, what everyday issues do you think Republican and Democrats can find common ground on when it comes to addressing America’s problems (economic, political, etc.)?