Multi-award-winning author and renowned founding director of “The Difficult Conversations Lab” at Columbia University, Dr. Peter Coleman joins the show to chat about the incredible political divide and current polarization of the country. The panel illuminates how we got here, and what we might expect come December post-election. As bleak as it may look, Dr. Coleman shares that there are multiple paths to success in getting the country back on track. 3:00 Why is the US so divided right now? 5:00...
Oct 26, 2020•35 min•Ep. 44
In this special re-release, we revisit our episode with the polling expert from Monmouth University Mr. Patrick Murray. Patrick demystifies the world of polling and helps explain how we should and shouldn’t approach the results come election time. 1:47 How did Patrick first get started in poling 3:40 How can we tell if we are getting an honest opinion from pollsters 6:50 What lessons did we learn from the 2016 election 8:02 Does Patrick poll for the electoral college or the popular vote 10:22 Wa...
Oct 19, 2020•24 min•Ep. 43
Former Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan joins the show to discuss both technicalities and expectations to the very unique upcoming presidential election. With the unprecedented nature of a pandemic occurring alongside this year's presidential election, voting expert Robin Carnahan, host Bill Curtis, Pulitzer Prize Winning Political Historian Ed Larson, and International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht help us navigate the uncertainty of what’s to come in November. Robin also helps to illu...
Oct 12, 2020•34 min•Ep. 42
Walter Shapiro is a veteran of eleven Presidential campaigns. In this episode he brings his insights and observations about how coverage has changed campaigning during the pandemic. Ed Larson relates how debates have changed throughout history. Jane Albrecht wonders if - in the race for ratings and clicks - the news media has lost sight of their purpose. The panelists present their views on future campaigning and if the country can return to the middle ground. TIMESTAMPS : 2:15 - How has Preside...
Oct 05, 2020•26 min•Ep. 41
Civil Rights Attorney Carol Sobel discusses the challenges and offers solutions to police handling protesters and the homeless. Historian Ed Larson talks about the nation's founding on revolution. Professor Sobel discusses LAPD's "warrior mentality." She states that the LAPD lacks an institutional memory and forgets past practices. Co-host Jane Albrecht posits that current policing practices are also a federal problem. The term "Defund The Police" is explained and discussed. Carol Sobel discusse...
Sep 24, 2020•29 min•Ep. 40
Anthropologist Wade Davis explains the importance of the study of Anthropology in a way that will entice you to become an Anthropologist. He discusses his Rolling Stone love letter, "The Unraveling Of America" and states the case that America has survived in the past and can thrive in the future. Professor Ed Larson and Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht debate the history of the so-called rugged individualist versus "Me-ism". Ed Larson and Wade Davis discuss regulating the Internet, and Professor tal...
Sep 18, 2020•29 min•Ep. 39
The episode begins with a brief and understandable explanation of what the economy is and why it matters. Historian Ed Larson explains how past events have effected the economy and why debt is necessary. Daron Acemoglu talks about balancing lives and prioritizing the economy. Jane Albrecht wonders how fast the economy will bounce back and will it be equitable. The panel discusses how the US stacks up against other countries in dealing with the economic impact of the pandemic. Why the stock marke...
Sep 10, 2020•33 min•Ep. 38
In support of President Trump, Government Affairs Consultant Don Schmitz contrasts the President's approach to governing with prior administrations. Historian Ed Larson explains why the President is not elected by popular vote. Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht debates the effectiveness of the U.S. relationship with China and NATO. This episode begins with a review of Postmaster General DeJoy's appearance before the U.S. House Of Representatives. Then the panel discusses the security and the history ...
Aug 27, 2020•35 min•Ep. 37
In this episode screenwriter Billy Ray and author Gregg Hurwitz discuss the differences between Republicans and Democrats. They present practical ways to have good faith discussions with each other. Ray and Hurwitz acknowledge there are valid reasons for Republicans to support Trump and for Democrats to support Biden. They suggest that both sides agree politically more than we disagree and that politicians and corporations play on individual fear. Gregg Hurwitz relates his experience with cults ...
Aug 20, 2020•31 min•Ep. 36
How secure is the Homeland? In this episode, special guest expert Paul Rosenzweig, founder of the Homeland Security consulting company, Red Branch Consulting, and senior advisor to the Chertoff Group joins Politics: Meet Me in the Middle . He was the first deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Department of Homeland Security and he's an author, a consistent contributor to the Atlantic, and a frequent authority on CNN. Paul joins the panel of: host Bill Curtis, and co-hosts Pulitzer Prize ...
Aug 13, 2020•46 min•Ep. 35
Students from Ohio State, Concordia, Laurentian, and Elon universities offer opinions on whether schools should open and discuss the merits of online versus in-person learning. It seems that everyone from parents to professors to college administrators to politicians have offered their view on whether or not campuses should open this fall. On this episode of Politics, Meet Me in the Middle we give students from the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to speak their minds TIMESTAMPS: 3:30 - How are C...
Aug 06, 2020•34 min•Ep. 34
Presidents David Leebron (President, Rice University) and E. Gordon Gee (President, West Virginia University) state their cases for partially opening their campuses for the 2020 fall semester. Colleges and universities are under enormous pressure to at least partially open their campuses in the fall of 2020. Presidents David Leebron and E. Gordon Gee join hosts Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht to discuss school openings, online education, and whether institutions can survive in a post-C...
Jul 30, 2020•30 min•Ep. 33
“A Crisis Is A Terrible Thing To Waste” - The Future Of Higher Education with NYU professor, author, and podcaster Scott Galloway. Parents, educators, students, and administrators are trying to figure out what’s going to happen with colleges this fall. Will classes be on campus, online, or be offered as some kind of hybrid experience? Professor Scott Galloway has addressed these questions on CNN, Twitter, in his No Mercy No Malice newsletter and now he sits with the Meet Me in the Middle panel t...
Jul 23, 2020•31 min•Ep. 32
Patrick Murray, founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, talks about his 20+ year career conducting media polling and custom-designed research projects for a variety of clients. Patrick Murray is an expert at not only designing and conducting polls, but also explaining how opinion polls work. Using examples, Mr. Murray describes the polling process and how the media often mistakenly uses them to predict outcomes. The 2016 Presidential Election Polls is reviewed and Mr. Mur...
Jul 17, 2020•34 min•Ep. 31
Dr. David Campt, 'The Race Doctor' - a national expert on inclusion, equity, cultural competence and intergroup dialogue - and four time Tony award winning Broadway Producer Ron Simons join Politics: Meet Me in the Middle for an important discussion of race in America, the work America needs to do to continue affecting change, and ways the white community can educate themselves to become effective allies to the Black community. TIMESTAMPS: 1:30 - What comes to mind that describe thoughts and emo...
Jul 10, 2020•29 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Politics, Meet Me In The Middle we re-visit with Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale, Bruce Ackerman with hosts, Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht to discuss safeguards against despotism in a democracy during times of pandemic and crises. Bruce Ackerman, who warns us, in a scholarly lecture, on the perils of run-away executive power, the demise of journalism, and political campaigns being ruled by corporate finance rather than a citizen’s vote. Prof...
Jun 05, 2020•22 min•Ep. 29
Dr. Singh describes what it's like to contract the Coronavirus. He discusses how the disease effected his practice and how it enhanced his relationship with the COVID-19 patients he treats. He discusses COVID care, the safety of emergency facilities, and the balance of staff safety and health. (2:00) What it's like to contract COVID-19. (6:00) The challenges of "opening society". (7:30) Shortages PPE. (9:15) Ventilators and the staff needed to operate them. (12:00) Heart Disease, Lung Disease, a...
May 28, 2020•33 min•Ep. 28
Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law at Yale Law School, Jed Rubenfeld and Herman O. Loewenstein Chair in Law at Vanderbuilt, Suzanna Sherry discuss what would happen if the Presidential election was cancelled and other challenges caused by COVID-19. This episode of Politics, Meet Me In The Middle borders on fiction as Supreme Court and Constitution scholars Suzanna Sherry and Jed Rubenfeld offer scenarios on cancelled elections, the limits of constitutional rights, and challenges to Presidentia...
May 21, 2020•31 min•Ep. 27
Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale, Bruce Ackerman joins hosts, Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht to discuss the constitutional concept of "checks and balances” and how it may change during this pandemic. This episode of Politics, Meet Me In The Middle is practically a scholarly lecture on the perils of run-away executive power, the demise of journalism, and political campaigns being ruled by corporate finance rather than a citizen’s vote. TIME STAMPS:(2:00) The hist...
May 14, 2020•21 min•Ep. 26
Even though the first amendment begins with "Congress shall make no law," doesn't mean that the rights listed are 'absolute'. In this episode of "Politics, Meet Me in the Middle," Berkeley Law Professor Erwin Chemerinsky says that the courts have stated that certain types of speech are not protected by the Constitution. The courts have also ruled that the right to assembly may be curtailed during emergencies, but the right to protest may not. Your constitutional rights during a national emergenc...
Apr 30, 2020•31 min•Ep. 25
Congressman Ted Lieu talks about his planned changes to the CARES act, the need for testing, increased support for workers, and healthcare. Congressman Lieu makes a case for the need for universal healthcare and financial support to small business and 'gig' workers. The congressman talks about remote working and protecting employees. Climate change, national security, and military preparedness is also discussed. (2:00) Decisive Presidents in history. (3:00) Congressman Lieu talks about extending...
Apr 20, 2020•35 min•Ep. 24
TIMESTAMPS: (2:30) Historian Ed Larson talks about the importance of elections during wars and outbreaks. (4:30) A replay of the 2000 election? (7:00) Voter suppression. (9:30) Laws during Pandemics and civil rights. (12:15) Federal versus States rights and power. (15:00) Constitutional rights of states and businesses. (19:00) Are press conferences becoming political rallies. (23:00) How has the Supreme Court been affected by the Coronavirus. Hosted by Ed Larson and Bill Curtis Learn more about ...
Apr 09, 2020•27 min•Ep. 23
What is the 'Coronavirus Economy' and how will it affect us on a professional, personal and societal level? (2:30) Comparing the Coronavirus Pandemic to the Spanish Flu and the Depression. (4:30) The impact on the Domestic Economy. (6:00) The role of government in this pandemic. (8:30) What does the post-pandemic economy look like. (9:30) The impact on banks and financial institutions. (12:50) The postponed Olympics and international imapact. (20:00) Personal finances and dealing with mortgages ...
Apr 02, 2020•25 min•Ep. 22
Timestamps: (1:30) Why scientists struggle to get their message out. (5:15) Politics, science and COVID-19. (8:30) How can science establish its voice? (10:20) Science and peer review. (14:40) Naomi Oreskes on the dangers of climate change. (17:30) National Academy Of Sciences. (21:20) Understanding science and scientists. Hosted by Ed Larson & Bill Curtis Learn more about Politics: Meet Me in the Middle: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle And follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook....
Mar 26, 2020•29 min•Ep. 21
Political Science Professor Dan Caldwell offers his take on the negotiations between the Taliban and the United States. (3:05) Who is the US negotiating with? (3:50) What are the taliban's goals? (6:30) The role of Pakistan. (12:00) US Troop withdrawal. (14:40) The Chief US Negotiator. (17:30) What will the final agreement look like? (20:00) The role of women in Afghanistan. (22:20) What will the US occupation of Afghanistan look like going forward? Hosted by Ed Larson and Bill Curtis Learn more...
Mar 19, 2020•26 min•Ep. 20
Political Science Professor Dan Caldwell talks with hosts Bill Curtis and Ed Larson about the US agreement between the Taliban and the US regarding Afghanistan. (1:40) History of the Afghanistan conflict. (4:00) The Russian withdraw from Afghanistan. (5:30) Terrorist camps in Afghanistan. (7:10) Afghanistan's role in the 9/11 attacks. (10:30) Iran and Afghanistan. (12:20) Obama administration role. (17:00) The complexity of the region. (18:45) The role of the Taliban. (22:45) The role of Pakista...
Mar 12, 2020•28 min•Ep. 19
E.J. Dionne Jr. and the "Meet Me in the Middle" Team discuss what the future holds for Biden and Bernie as they duel for the nomination and who is best positioned to beat Donald Trump in November. (2:00) Ed Larson on examples of candidates working together throughout history. (3:45) E.J. Dionne on building bridges between Moderates and Progressive Democrats. (7:30) E.J. Dionne Jr. on what will happen at the Democratic National Convention in July. (8:30) Ed Larson, E.J. Dionne Jr., and Jane Albre...
Mar 06, 2020•30 min•Ep. 18
Wunder Mobility VP, Melika Jahangiri and mobilty advocate, Rudy Salo talk about the future of pubic transportation and the infrastructure challenge. (2:30) What is Micro-mobility and what products are available. (3:30) How to use eScooters. (5:00) What are the goals and how to pay for infrastructure. (7:20) How much does it cost. (8:00) who are the customers of micro-mobility. (9:10) permitting process. (11:00) What are the challenges? (16:01) Educating the public. (17:00) How does US compare to...
Feb 27, 2020•23 min•Ep. 17
Infectious Disease Specialist and Infection Control Expert Dr. Suzanne Donovan updates us on the Coronavirus COVID-19 and how the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States is responding to the outbreak. (2:30) What is Coronavirus. (6:15) Who may become infected? (8:20) What are the symptoms? How do hospitals cope? (9:45) Incubation period. (11:45) Do masks afford protection? (12:40) What can population do to protect themselves? Hand Sanitizers and hand washing. (16:15) WHO response (...
Feb 20, 2020•31 min•Ep. 16
Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ Antitrust Division discusses antitrust law, monopolies, and the role of the Antitrust division on mergers, protecting business, competition, and the rights of the consumer. (1:00) What 'Antitrust' is and what it is not. (2:15) Makan Delrahim discusses the T-Mobile/Sprint merger. (6:50) Political Lobbies and the effect of lobbying. (9:00) Monopolies, Consent Decrees, and the effect of technology. (13:30) Privacy and data protection in Antitrust. (15:30) Spam...
Feb 13, 2020•30 min•Ep. 15
