The Conversation
The Conversation
Crossing Party Lines
The Conversation is the Crossing Party Lines (CPL) podcast. Crossing Party Lines is a non-profit that facilitates weekly discussions where people have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about politics, society and everything in between, and to listen to what others think/feel so that we can really understand why American's believe what we believe. The Conversation continues these discussions so they can be shared with you. [Cover art by Eric Wagner - ericwagner.me]
NATO: Does It Still Matter?
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed in 1949 to “guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.” Seventy-three years later, many are wondering whether it’s time to look at the organization’s effectiveness. Does NATO still have a purpose in today's world? If so, in what situations?
Mar 24, 2022
29 min
What's Your Political Color?
We've funneled ourselves into "Red" or "Blue". When in reality there’s an enormous range of colors on the political spectrum. You can even find different “shades” within a single party.The Pew Research Center recently released a report that identified nine distinct political sub-groups. From "Establishment Liberals", to "Stressed Sideliners", to the "Ambivalent Right", and more. What group do you think you belong to? What group do you actually belong to? And how might this change the way you talk or think about American politics? Political Typology Quizhttps://www.pewresearch.org/politics/quiz/political-typology/Pew Research Report: Political Typologyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/11/09/beyond-red-vs-blue-the-political-typology-2/Pew Typology Summaryhttps://crossingpartylines.com/PewTypologySummary.pdf
Feb 18, 2022
31 min
The US Withdrawal From Afghanistan: Reflecting on the War
America has been fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years. That makes it the longest war in American history.  But now, the few thousand troops remaining are leaving. Is it time to leave? What has the war cost everyone? What, if anything, has been achieved? And what is America leaving behind?
Jul 21, 2021
29 min
A $15 Minimum Wage: Too Much, Too Little or Just Right?
The debate around raising the federal minimum wage has flared up again. What are the arguments for and against increasing it? Should we have a minimum wage at all? Or should we trade it in for a living wage?
Mar 19, 2021
58 min
The 2020 US Presidential Election is Over. Now what?
As the dust settles on the 2020 US Presidential Election, we ask three Americans how they feel about how it went, what they wish the other party knew about them, what they expect from a Biden Administration and where they think former President Donald Trump and his supporters go from here.
Feb 13, 2021
48 min
Trying to Make Sense of the Capital Riots
On Wednesday, January 6th, a crowd stormed the Capitol building. Some walked around. Some took photos. Some vandalized property. Some engaged in violence. Why? And how do Americans feel about what happened?
Jan 30, 2021
52 min
Talking to Erik, an Independent – “Thinking Independently”
In this new 'Talking to...' series we’ll get to learn about individual Americans, how they came to think the way they do, what they think are the most important problems facing the country and why.In this episode we’re talking to Erik, an Independent, from New York.
Jan 17, 2021
44 min
The Last Ballot to Define America
Americans are coming out in historic numbers during a dangerous pandemic in what is shaping out to be the highest Presidential voter turnout in US history. What are the values that American's believe they are fighting for? What are they afraid they will lose if this doesn't turn out in their favor?  Listen in to hear a Libertarian, a Conservative and a Liberal discuss their beliefs on the election that is expected to significantly redefine what it means to be American.
Oct 31, 2020
59 min
Deciding Who Gets Shot: Kenosha, WI
In less than a week a man was shot in the back seven times and two others were killed during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Why did a police response to a local residence turn violent? Why did local protests that followed turn deadly? Could they have been avoided? Listen in to hear how a Wisconsin native and a police officer feel about the recent events.
Sep 11, 2020
42 min
Portland and the Politics of Protest
In Portland, Oregon, protests against police brutality and systemic racism have been going on for more than 70 days. What started off as peaceful, evolved to attract riots and violence. Federal resources were sent in to address the situation and were met with resistance from the local government. Tune in to hear unique perspectives of three Portland locals with varying political views.
Aug 15, 2020
53 min
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