Ep 2. American Party Animals

We The Voters is a unique show that is all about educating and informing voters about important issues that affect our society and our democracy. In season 1 episode 2, titled American Party Animals, the show takes a closer look at the role of political parties in American politics and how they shape elections, policies, and government.

The episode is hosted by actor-comedian David Cross, who brings his witty and irreverent humor to the topic of political parties. He starts by asking a simple question: why do we have political parties in the first place? To answer this, he takes us back to the early days of American democracy, when the country was deeply divided between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. These two factions laid the foundation for the first political parties in America, and set the stage for the partisan battles that would define American politics for centuries to come.

From there, the episode delves into the different parties that have emerged over the years, from the Whigs and the Democrats to the Republicans and the Greens. Cross explains the core beliefs of each party, and how they have evolved and adapted to changing times. He also explores the role of third-party candidates, and how they often struggle to gain a foothold in the two-party system.

One of the central themes of the episode is the idea of party loyalty, and how it can sometimes trump individual beliefs and values. Cross interviews a range of political insiders and experts, who explain how party leaders and activists exert tremendous pressure on candidates to toe the party line. This can be seen in everything from the party platforms that candidates must pledge to uphold, to the fundraising and support networks that are often controlled by party elites.

Despite these challenges, the episode also highlights the ways in which political parties can foster engagement and participation in politics. Through interviews with young activists and organizers, We The Voters shows how party affiliation can provide a sense of identity and purpose for voters, and how it can motivate them to get involved in campaigns and elections.

The episode is not content to simply present a historical and theoretical overview of political parties, however. It also explores some of the more recent controversies and challenges facing the two major parties in America. Cross interviews some of the candidates who ran in the 2016 Presidential election, and asks them to reflect on the role of parties in their campaigns. He also looks at some of the grassroots movements that have emerged in response to the party establishment’s failure to address some of the most pressing issues facing the country, such as income inequality, climate change, and racial justice.

Finally, the episode ends on a hopeful note, with Cross pointing out that political parties are not set in stone and can change over time. He asks viewers to consider what they want from their parties, and to get involved in shaping them in a more positive and responsive direction. This message is underscored by the various tools and resources that are provided by We The Voters, which aim to empower people to become more engaged and informed citizens.

Overall, season 1 episode 2 of We The Voters, titled American Party Animals, is an engaging and informative look at the role of political parties in American politics. It combines humor, history, and analysis to provide viewers with a multifaceted and nuanced understanding of this crucial aspect of our democracy. Whether you are a political junkie or just someone who wants to be better informed about the issues that affect our society, this episode is a must-watch.