Finn Partners Inc.
12/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 10:42
Reflections on Civil Discourse in American Politics: Moving Forward Together
News and Insights
Reflections on Civil Discourse in American Politics: Moving Forward Together
December 18, 2024
Scott Widmeyer, founding managing partner at FINN Partners and co-chair of the Stubblefield Institute's Board of Advisors, recently delivered a thought-provoking address at Shepherd University as part of the President's Lecture Series. The speech, focusing on civil discourse in American politics following the 2024 elections, offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our democracy. Drawing from decades of experience in communications and public affairs, Widmeyer shared his perspective on fostering a more constructive political dialogue.
The recent election cycle has sparked important conversations about the state of civil discourse in American politics. As someone who has spent his entire career in strategic communications, I've observed both troubling trends and reasons for hope in how we engage with one another on matters of public importance.
One of the most striking observations from this election cycle was the impact of political advertising and social media on public conversation. Campaign spending topped $10 billion nationwide, with a significant portion spent on negative advertising. Despite research showing that voters consistently express dislike for negative campaigns, they continue to dominate our political landscape. This raises important questions about how we can create more constructive dialogue in future elections.
Shepherd University President Mary Hendrix and FINN Founding Managing Partner Scott WidmeyerMedia fragmentation and the proliferation of "media deserts" - communities with limited access to reliable local news - present additional challenges. One in five Americans now lives in a media desert, leading to decreased civic engagement and weakened social cohesion. This trend is particularly concerning in rural areas, where small newspapers are disappearing, and the absence of local journalism can mean less government accountability and fewer opportunities for community dialogue.
However, there are bright spots in our national conversation. Organizations like Shepherd University's Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications are leading the way in promoting civil discourse and understanding across political divides. The Institute's work demonstrates that when differing viewpoints are respected and thoughtfully considered, we strengthen our nation's ability to solve problems collectively.
The Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service has been tracking civility in our political discourse, and its research offers important insights. A 2022 study found that eight in 10 Americans agree about the importance of compromise, respect and civility. Additionally, 95% believe respect for one another is the first step to having a government that works. These numbers suggest that despite our current challenges, there remains a strong foundation for rebuilding constructive political dialogue.
Looking ahead, several key priorities emerge for fostering better and more productive political conversations:
- Rebuilding trust in our institutions through increased transparency and accountability
- Revitalizing local journalism to ensure communities have access to reliable and trustworthy information
- Strengthening civic education in our K-12 schools to prepare future generations for thoughtful political engagement
- Creating more opportunities for cross-partisan dialogue and understanding at the community level
Promising initiatives like StoryCorps' One Small Step program show how we can bridge political divides through personal storytelling and active listening. These efforts remind us that behind every political position are real people with genuine concerns and aspirations for our country.
Several universities are also taking innovative approaches to promoting civil discourse. Arizona State University's National Institute for Civil Discourse, along with programs at Vanderbilt, MIT, Johns Hopkins and Princeton, are developing new frameworks for constructive political dialogue. These institutions are exploring how technology, social media and traditional forms of communication can be employed to promote understanding rather than seeding division.
Finally, the role of social media deserves particular attention. While often criticized as a source of controversy, social media platforms can also be powerful tools for connecting diverse communities and fostering understanding. The challenge lies in creating digital spaces that encourage thoughtful dialogue rather than triggering negative or even toxic responses. Some promising approaches include moderated online forums, structured digital town halls, and social media campaigns that highlight successful examples of cross-partisan cooperation.
The path forward requires commitment from all of us. Whether in our professional roles or our personal interactions, we each have opportunities to model civil discourse and encourage respectful dialogue. This isn't about avoiding disagreement - it's about engaging in ways that strengthen rather than weaken the fabric of our democracy.
As we look to the future, I remain cautiously optimistic. While the challenges to civil discourse are real, I've witnessed firsthand how thoughtful dialogue can transform seemingly intractable conflicts into opportunities for understanding and progress. The question before us isn't whether we can restore civil discourse to American politics, but how we can work together to make it happen.
The future of our democracy depends not just on who wins elections, but on how we engage with one another in the years between them. By committing ourselves to civil discourse and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, we can help ensure that our political system continues to serve the common good.
POSTED BY: Scott Widmeyer