Politicon: How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along with Clay Aiken

Clay, first of all, I want to say how much I enjoy this podcast, I’ve listen to every single episode and I am always excited when the new one posts each week, which I listen to right away. I did have a thought about something you said on the most recent episode: you were talking about the electoral college and similar institutions that are somewhat biased in that they provide benefit to one side more than the other, and you said that getting rid of the electoral college would just basically piss off the conservative side, even though it wouldn’t be giving the more liberal side an advantage, but rather, it would even out the playing field for once. You said that this would not be an effective way to help everyone get along, and while I don’t disagree with that, I guess it made me wonder if trying to get everyone to get along really should be the ultimate goal in all cases, because sometimes making changes in the name of making things better for all people, like allowing women and minorities to vote, or allowing all votes to truly be equally valuable, might not make it easier for everyone to get along, especially the groups who previously had an unfair or undeserved advantage. But isn’t it more important for things like democratic elections to be actually balanced and fair than for everyone to be happy with the way things are? And concerning the electoral college, is there even a scenario in which both sides could be expected to be equally happy and satisfied at the same time?

I have liked this show for the most part. I genuinely feel Clay wants to and tries to get along with people he doesn’t agree with. And I don’t agree with him politically. But I like him very much amd enjoy listening to him. Who I DON’T like listening to? His first guest of 2021. If this podcast is supposed to be about hey if along maybe don’t have a completely partisan egomaniac who calls Trump all kinds of names and puts anyone who voted for him on the defense. I tried to listen. I want to hear both sides. But he was offensive and a jerk. I find people think that’s okay nowadays if you’re a liberal. I have been called a racist for voting Trump. A RACIST. I’ have been called a bigot. And many other names. For the sin of voting for policies - not for a person - I believe in. Clay, I really believe you can make a difference. I want to hear your side, even if I don’t agree with it. Because I know you aren’t going to be a jerk. But please try not to have partisan jerks as guests. I don’t care if they’re liberal. But this guy had as big a mouth as Trump (and I would agree Trump had a big mouth and he’s paying a big price for it).

I didn't pay too much attention to politics beyond headlines until this year, and this podcast came out at a great time. I love Clay Aiken as a host and find him very entertaining and he keeps conversations going. He also doesn't seem to shut down or out opinions he may disagree with! As hard as it can be to listen to people who I don't agree with, learning about their point of view is helpful and good in many ways, and I actually appreciate that this podcast isn't just about me listening to only people I agree or disagree with,

This podcast has a) great guests from all political spectrums; b) a fantastic host in Clay Aiken, who keeps things moving (and sane); and c) thoughtful discussion. This is an appointment podcast for me.