Baker School Launches New Season of You Might Be Right Podcast with Former Governors Bredesen, Haslam
Fall season will focus on how polarization, from what the research says to how it impacts governing
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – (September 12, 2024) – Today, the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee launched a new season of You Might Be Right, a podcast hosted by former Tennessee Governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam. The show, which takes its name from Senator Baker’s frequent reminder to keep an open mind because “the other fellow might be right,” aims to facilitate civil conversations about tough topics.
In the new season of You Might Be Right, the show’s fifth, Governors Bredesen and Haslam speak with experts on polarization, diving into the research and seeking to better understand just how divided we really are. Through in-depth conversations with a variety of guests, they explore the impact of polarization on civic discourse and politics, seeking solutions to turn down the temperature and foster more constructive debate.
The season kicks off with a conversation about what the research says about polarization with Rachel Kleinfeld, an international relations scholar and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kleinfeld explains the different kinds of polarization, noting that while affective polarization – an emotional dislike for the other party – is high, there is much less ideological division among voters than many people perceive. And while Americans may agree on more policy than we realize, the Members of Congress we elect from both parties have almost no areas of issue agreement.
Later in the season, the governors interview Hyrum and Verlan Lewis, brothers, professors, and authors of a new book, The Myth of Left and Right, about how moving beyond political tribalism to a more multi-dimensional view of politics could improve civic discourse and public policy. Other episode topics include how polarization impacts governing, and what the Constitution itself can contribute to understanding where we are and how we can get to a more functional political system.
“Polarization is one of the greatest challenges facing our country today,” said Governors Bredesen and Haslam in a joint statement. “With this new season, we want to dive deep into the roots of our divisions, understand how they affect our politics and civic life, and explore what can be done to bring people back to the table for meaningful dialogue. Our hope is that these conversations will help us move toward understanding and problem solving across party lines.”
“The Baker School is dedicated to advancing civil discourse and improving our civic health. You Might Be Right creates opportunities for engaging with thoughtful discussion and debate about the key issues of our time, and we are so grateful to the governors and university leadership for their continued support of the show,” said Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of the Baker School. “This series on polarization is timely and essential for anyone who cares about the future of our democracy and has helped spark meaningful dialogue both on and off campus. We are excited to share Season Five and for listeners to join us on this journey to better understand and bridge our divides.”
Catch up on past episodes of You Might Be Right, including the show’s most recent season on election-related topics, including the Electoral College, our primary system, and the role of traditional media in a presidential election, here.
For more information about the Baker School and You Might Be Right, visit YouMightBeRight.org and follow the show (@YMBRPodcast) on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.