David French, Senior Editor of The Dispatch, has a new book called “Divided We Fall” about why America is so polarized, how it could tilt into civil war, and ways we can stop that from happening.
On this episode of the Braver Angels Podcast, he talks to Ciaran O’Connor and Greg Steinbrecher about his book, how and why polarization has gotten so bad, and what our government and we the people can do to make things better. He also explains why everyone is too quick to blame the media for our problems, and touches on some current events like the Amy Coney Barrett nomination.
David French has direct experience with both the culture war and actual war. He defended free speech and religious freedom on college campuses as president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) before serving the United States in Iraq as a judge advocate general officer in the army. Before his current position at The Dispatch, he was a staff writer for National Review.
Learn more about Braver Angels at www.braverangels.org
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2 thoughts on “David French on How to Prevent a Civil War”
excellent; Somebody’s got to stop saying “I’m gonna do what I have the power to do.”
TY! Brilliant!
This conversation was a pleasure. I’ve followed David French for years and have so much respect for his willingness to promote principle over partisanship.
Given his proposal for leaving the SCOTUS seat open until after the election, I am curious what he would say to the possibility that election results might be contested all the way to the highest court, and what would happen if an 8 judge decision was split 4-4. I was disappointed that question wasn’t addressed. Oh well. I am thankful for all the insights he shared, and especially his highlighting of curiosity and humility as vital to reversing the divisive reflexes abounding in our culture.
Thanks for the thoughtful dialogue and best wishes to all.