Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide

What can be done to lessen political polarization in the U.S.? A few nonprofit organizations are trying to amplify their methods to tone down the temperature

Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Share
Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide
Copy

Is it possible to bridge America’s stark political divisions?

In the wake of a presidential election that many feared could tear the U.S. apart, this question is on many people’s minds.

A record-high 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is greatly divided on “the most important values”. Ahead of the election, a similar percentage of Americans said they feared violence and threats to democracy. Almost half the country believes people on the other side of the political divide are “downright evil.”

Some say that the vitriolic rhetoric of political leaders and social media influencers is partly to blame for the country’s state of toxic polarization. Others cite social media platforms that amplify misinformation and polarization.

There is, however, reason for hope.

Read the full article on The Conversation.

Citing patient care concerns, Butler plans permanent replacements as strike enters third week
Thousands of Rhode Island children could lose access to things like meal programs, health insurance, and early childhood education if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to make major cuts to federally funded programs
The outlook remains uncertain in the Senate Judiciary Committee
McKee staffs up while preparing to seek re-election
The President’s rescission request targets all federal funding for public media through 2027, drawing fierce pushback from Democrats, rural lawmakers, and local stations — and prompting legal and political battles over press freedom and cultural influence
Whether it’s national, local, new or an encore, here’s what to watch this June on Rhode Island PBS