In this episode we discuss media fragmentation, political polarization, gerrymandering campaign financing and other factors contributing to the lack of bipartisanship in DC. Despite these issues, we did see the passing of, what some consider, a landmark bipartisan spending bill that was passed earlier this month – hoping this signals a strong year for bipartisanship legislature.

This episode also explores, what we believe, will be an exciting and interesting race for Arizona’s 9th Congressional district. Current Congressman Paul Gosar will be running against moderate-leaning democrat Quacy Smith in November.

• Paul Gosar: https://gosar.house.gov/biography/

• Quacy Smith: https://quacysmithforcongress.com/

The final segment of this episode highlights several bipartisan groups working to move things forward in the US. These groups include:

• Bipartisan Policy Center: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/

• Problem Solver’s Caucus: https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/

• Gang of 8: https://ballotpedia.org/Gang_of_Eight

• Climate Solutions Caucus: https://climatesolutionscaucus-garbarino.house.gov/

With a special highlight on the Climate Solutions Caucus; we discuss the impact climate change has already had on Arizona and what affects Arizona may see in the future. Gosar, historically, has not supported climate change legislation for his state.

Arizona voters have an opportunity to elect a Congressman who is willing to take the potential impact of climate change in Arizona seriously.

Gosar should perhaps consider joining the Conservate Climate Caucus, a new and growing group, to learn more about the devastating impact climate change may have on Arizona.

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Bipartisanship in DC

01:51 The Fragmentated Media Ecosystem

03:55 The Impact of Social Media

06:04 American Support Democratic Norms, Politicians Are Not

09:01 Gerrymandering and Voting Rights

12:06 Money in Politics

15:58 Bipartisanship and Compromise

21:20 Passing a Spending Package vs Continuing Resolution

23:00 More Chaos in the House

23:45 The Importance of Bipartisanship in Arizona

27:09 The Candidates: Paul Gosar and Quacy Smith

40:54 Bipartisan Groups at the Federal Level

42:12 The Climate Solutions Caucus

42:53 The Conservative Climate Caucus

45:12 Bipartisanship Summary

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