NHBR Column: Beyond the Politics of Contempt

A recent poll found 62% of adults saying US democracy could be at risk depending on who wins the 2024 Presidential election. 72% of Democrats and 55% Republicans agree -- but for very different reasons. Democrats worry that we could elect an authoritarian president, while Republicans are concerned that government overreach and mandates are a threat to fundamental freedoms.

My concern is less about compromise – after all, vigorous policy differences and debates are vital to vibrant democratic governance – but rather about how we treat people who disagree with us. When we start from a position that “those people” are evil or stupid, it is hard to see a way forward. In this climate of mutual contempt, the only solution seems to be vanquishing the other side.     

As an active volunteer with the national organization Braver Angels, I know from our many free workshops that, when people from different sides have conversations and really listen to each other, they find much more in common than previously believed. The hard part is when they go back to their bubbles where the voices of conflict entrepreneurs are so prevalent, fed by media and social media algorithms. Conflict entrepreneurs, as described by author Amanda Ripley are “people who inflame conflict for their own ends. Sometimes they do this for profit, but more often for attention or power.”

Changing the country has to start with changing myself. When enough of us act and demand better, politicians will follow, too. I know that I can do better, how about you?

You can read my full NH Business Review column on this topic at https://www.nhbr.com/beyond-the-politics-of-contempt/