In this episode we discuss media fragmentation, political polarization, gerrymandering campaign financing and other factors contributing to the lack of bipartisanship in DC. Despite these issues, we did see the passing of, what some consider, a landmark bipartisan spending bill that was passed earlier this month – hoping this signals a strong year for bipartisanship legislature.
This episode also explores, what we believe, will be an exciting and interesting race for Arizona’s 9th Congressional district. Current Congressman Paul Gosar will be running against moderate-leaning democrat Quacy Smith in November.
• Paul Gosar: https://gosar.house.gov/biography/
• Quacy Smith: https://quacysmithforcongress.com/
The final segment of this episode highlights several bipartisan groups working to move things forward in the US. These groups include:
• Bipartisan Policy Center: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/
• Problem Solver’s Caucus: https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/
• Gang of 8: https://ballotpedia.org/Gang_of_Eight
• Climate Solutions Caucus: https://climatesolutionscaucus-garbarino.house.gov/
With a special highlight on the Climate Solutions Caucus; we discuss the impact climate change has already had on Arizona and what affects Arizona may see in the future. Gosar, historically, has not supported climate change legislation for his state.
Arizona voters have an opportunity to elect a Congressman who is willing to take the potential impact of climate change in Arizona seriously.
Gosar should perhaps consider joining the Conservate Climate Caucus, a new and growing group, to learn more about the devastating impact climate change may have on Arizona.
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Bipartisanship in DC
01:51 The Fragmentated Media Ecosystem
03:55 The Impact of Social Media
06:04 American Support Democratic Norms, Politicians Are Not
09:01 Gerrymandering and Voting Rights
12:06 Money in Politics
15:58 Bipartisanship and Compromise
21:20 Passing a Spending Package vs Continuing Resolution
23:00 More Chaos in the House
23:45 The Importance of Bipartisanship in Arizona
27:09 The Candidates: Paul Gosar and Quacy Smith
40:54 Bipartisan Groups at the Federal Level
42:12 The Climate Solutions Caucus
42:53 The Conservative Climate Caucus
45:12 Bipartisanship Summary
Website: www.acommonamerica.org
Facebook: A Common America
Instagram: @acommonamerica
Petition: Require US House Members from Different Parties to Work Together · Change.org
Paid for by A Common America www.acommonamerica.org). Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.