Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

This podcast is always thought-provoking and often prompts me to re-examine my own political opinions. In this “era of Trump“ and “culture wars“ where most people never have open, in-depth discussions in person with people on the “other side of the political fence,” this podcast offers a kind of how-to manual. Ross, Michelle, and David always treat each other with respect — and good humor — and are of course experts in using reasoned argument and empirical facts to support their points of view. Enlightening and enjoyable! One caveat: I do not recommend this podcast to “Twitter trolls.” They no doubt would not feel at home here. Where is the fun in disagreeing with someone constructively and respectfully?

Ever since they replaced the hosts, the podcast has started to lack what it defines itself as “open minded discussions”. The episodes now don’t feature nuanced considerations of counter positions. It’s a shame because I valued what this podcast stood for and even though I often disagreed with the conservative co-host, it felt like a vital project in today’s climate to listen to his arguments.

I find this podcast annoyingly one sided. If you want to have an argument over important political topics at least try to reconstruct (or invite someone who actually represents) a counter argument. The question is who benefits from this argument?People who share all or most of the views presented may be comforted in their opinions which I find has little value, for others it’s a lost cause. In a way this is no better than the political bubbles created by fox news and Breitbart you so easily denounce.