Firing Line Season 21 Episode 6 What's Wrong with the Political Parties?

What's Wrong with the Political Parties? is the sixth episode of season 21 of Firing Line. This episode takes a deep dive into the issues currently plaguing political parties in the United States. The host, Margaret Hoover, invites a panel of experts to discuss the topic and offer their insights into the future of the parties.

The panel includes four guests from different political backgrounds. They are David Frum, a senior editor at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia state legislator and founder of Fair Fight Action; Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster and author of The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (And How Republicans Can Keep Up); and Symone Sanders, a Democratic strategist and CNN political commentator.

The host begins by asking the panelists about the current state of the parties. They all agree that there is a great deal of dysfunction within both the Republican and Democratic parties. Frum argues that the Republican party has become too beholden to President Trump and his most ardent followers, while Sanders suggests that the Democratic party needs to do a better job of communicating its message to voters. Abrams points out that both parties have failed to address the issues that matter most to ordinary Americans, such as income inequality and racial justice.

The discussion then shifts to the role of identity politics in the parties. Anderson argues that Republicans have been slow to adapt to changing attitudes on issues such as race and gender, while Sanders suggests that Democrats need to do more to elevate the voices of people of color within the party. Frum takes a different approach, arguing that identity politics are inherently divisive and that both parties should focus on building a broad-based coalition of voters.

The panelists also discuss the importance of civility in politics. Anderson suggests that social media has made it easier to engage in uncivil discourse, while Sanders argues that politicians have a responsibility to lead by example and avoid personal attacks. Abrams points out that political rhetoric has always been heated, but that there are ways to disagree without being disagreeable.

Finally, the panelists offer their thoughts on the future of political parties in the United States. Frum argues that the Republican party is in danger of becoming a cult of personality around Trump, while Sanders suggests that Democrats need to focus on grassroots organizing and voter turnout. Anderson emphasizes the importance of reaching out to younger voters, while Abrams argues that the parties will have to work together to solve the country's most pressing issues.

Overall, What's Wrong with the Political Parties? is a fascinating exploration of the current state of American politics. The panelists offer a range of perspectives on the challenges facing both parties and suggest paths forward for future success. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent, this episode is sure to offer plenty of insight and food for thought.