The Common Good Town Hall
“Bridging America’s Divides”
with
Steven Brill, Frank Bruni, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Former Congressmen David Jolly (R-FL), George Packer, Heather Cox Richardson, Former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), and Andrew Yang
MODERATED BY
John Heilemann
JUNE 4TH FROM 6-8PM
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Enough with squabbling. We want solutions.
National division continues to pose a growing threat to U.S. democracy. And it’s not just those of us at The Common Good who are troubled by this. According to The Common Good Survey on Division, a staggering 72% of Americans share this concern. It thwarts our nation’s progress and obstructs our ability to grapple with crucial issues head-on. We may be divided, but this is an urgent challenge that affects us all.
To tackle division and forge a brighter, more united future, two burning questions must be answered: What are the underlying causes of our nation's division? And, more importantly, what actionable solutions hold the promise of healing it?
We’ve gathered some of the nation's foremost minds who have given these issues a great deal of thought for a very important and special Town Hall. They’ll offer their insights on what’s driving toxic partisanship in politics, igniting culture wars, and fomenting anger, hate, and eroding trust in our institutions, truth, and each other. Even better, they'll propose solutions for bridging America’s divides.
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MEET OUR PANELISTS
Steven Brill, described as a “brilliant, award-winning reporter and bestselling author,” wears many hats: lawyer, entrepreneur, and journalist. Brill has a knack for diving deep into the pressing issues of our time. His upcoming book, The Death of Truth, explores how the erosion of shared truths and facts is fueling the rise of conspiracy theories and hoaxes, undermining our trust in leaders, institutions, and experts. But Brill doesn’t just diagnose the problem; he also offers a path forward to rebuild our collective faith in truth. Brill has a history of tackling complex topics with insightful analysis. His groundbreaking TIME special report, “Bitter Pill: How Medical Bills Are Killing Us,” earned a National Magazine Award in 2014 and laid the groundwork for his 2015 bestseller, America’s Bitter Pill, which delves into fixing our broken healthcare system. His other notable works include Class Warfare: Inside the Fight to Fix America’s Schools (2011) and After: The Rebuilding and Defending of America in the September 12th Era (2003). Brill’s latest bestseller, Tailspin: The People and Forces Behind America’s Fifty-Year Fall–and Those Fighting to Reverse It, continues his tradition of addressing critical societal issues. In 2018, Brill co-founded NewsGuard Technologies with Gordon Crovitz, a service dedicated to evaluating the credibility of news websites. The duo had previously collaborated on Journalism Online. Brill also founded and managed Court TV, The American Lawyer Magazine, and Brill’s Content magazine, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in both legal and journalistic fields.
Frank Bruni “has not written about just one thing, but seemingly about all things.” With an impressive three-decade career, including over 25 years at The New York Times, Bruni has become a nationally renowned op-ed columnist, celebrated journalist, and bestselling author. His diverse body of work includes deep dives into American politics, food, family, war, vision loss, religion, and LGBTQ issues. At the Times, Bruni served as the Rome bureau chief and White House correspondent, where he was the lead reporter covering George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. He later penned Ambling into History, a bestseller about Bush. Bruni is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Age of Grievance. This book, praised by New York Times opinion columnist Bret Stephens as “the most astute diagnosis of the rage, recrimination, and revenge culture that ails our country,” also offers a hopeful prescription for redemption. Bruni’s exploration of the culture of grievance reveals its deep impact on America’s current divisive climate. Beyond his writing, he remains active as a contributing opinion writer for the Times, sharing his insights at least weekly. Additionally, Bruni serves as the Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy at Duke University and frequently appears as a television commentator.
Alyssa Farah Griffin holds the unique distinction of being the only person to serve as a top spokesperson for the President, Vice President, and the Department of Defense within a single administration. She also made history as the youngest Pentagon Press Secretary. In her role as White House communications director, Griffin played a pivotal part in significant initiatives, such as strategizing the communications for a Supreme Court Justice confirmation and managing public messaging for Operation Warp Speed, the rapid vaccine development program. During her tenure as Pentagon Press Secretary, Griffin accompanied the Secretary of Defense on important international trips, including a secret visit to Afghanistan to announce peace talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. She also served as Senior Advisor, preparing the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for congressional hearings. In 2020, Griffin resigned from her role as White House communications director, expressing discomfort with the public messaging surrounding the election results. She told Politico, “I wasn’t comfortable being a part of sharing this message to the public that the election results might go a different way. I didn’t see that to be where the facts lay.” After her resignation, Griffin joined The View as a co-host and became a political commentator for CNN. She has emerged as a prominent Republican critic of the former President. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney commended Griffin on The View, stating, “You gave people the courage that they could come forward and talk to the committee, and it was really, really important.”
Congressman David Jolly, who represented Florida’s 13th district from 2014 to 2017, made a name for himself as a pragmatic and independent voice within the GOP, often willing to break from party lines. Known for “speaking the truth” and being “the one Congressman willing to compromise,” Jolly has become a prominent advocate for reducing partisan rancor and promoting solutions-oriented leadership. Although he held several traditionally Republican views, Jolly prioritized pragmatic solutions over rigid ideology during his time in office. Jolly’s congressional career ended in 2016 after an electoral redistricting made his district more Democratic-leaning, leading to his defeat by Democrat Charlie Crist. Following his loss, Jolly grew increasingly critical of the Republican Party’s alignment with former President Trump. In 2018, he left the GOP, asserting, “You can’t be never-Trump and be a Republican,” as he believed the party had become too entrenched in Trump’s divisive politics. Since leaving Congress, Jolly has used his platform to advocate for reforms to America’s two-party system. Through his writings in major outlets like Time, The Washington Post, CNN, and the Tampa Bay Times, he has championed the idea of a multi-party democracy, arguing, “Most leading nations have multi-party democracies…and voters feel better represented.” Jolly currently serves as a political commentator for MSNBC and CNN and works as Executive Vice President at Shumaker Advisors Florida LLC. Before his congressional career, he worked for Rep. Bill Young and as a lobbyist in D.C. He is also the editor of A Divided Union, a book examining the challenges to bipartisanship. Jolly’s journey from a Republican congressman to a vocal critic of partisan politics highlights his commitment to pluralistic governance and his belief in policy-based decision-making over party allegiance.
George Packer is not just an acclaimed journalist and award-winning author; he’s a storyteller with a passion for unpacking the complexities of American politics, culture, and foreign policy. Currently a staff writer at The Atlantic, Packer joined the publication in 2018 after a distinguished 15-year tenure at The New Yorker. His work blends sharp analysis with compelling narrative, bringing clarity to our turbulent times. Packer has written ten books, with his latest, Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal, earning high praise. The National Peace Corps Association, paying homage to Packer’s own time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, lauded the book for its “stunning, synthesizing prose” and its insightful exploration of America’s challenges and potential paths forward. Throughout his career, Packer’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Book Award, the Hitchens Prize, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to his craft have also earned him fellowships at prestigious institutions like the American Academy in Berlin and the New York Public Library. Packer’s journey began at Yale College and was shaped by his service in the Peace Corps, experiences that continue to inform his nuanced perspectives. Whether dissecting the intricacies of foreign policy or delving into cultural critiques, Packer’s work is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and articulating the forces shaping our world.
Heather Cox Richardson captured the internet’s attention in 2019 with her nightly newsletter, Letters from an American. She is a celebrated historian, bestselling author, and Professor of History at Boston College. When the pandemic disrupted her book tour for How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America, Richardson turned a setback into an opportunity, launching a newsletter that would transform America’s political discourse. Her insightful chronicles, which use historical context to shed light on today’s political landscape, have attracted over a million followers on Substack, making it the platform’s largest newsletter. In 2022, Richardson was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year and was invited to the White House to interview President Joe Biden. Her career spans a wide range of historical periods, documented in her award-winning books that cover topics from the European settlement of North America to the history of the Republican Party through the Trump administration. Her latest bestseller, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, has been praised by Jane Mayer as “a vibrant, and essential history of America’s unending, enraging, and utterly compelling struggle since its founding to live up to its own best ideals.” Richardson’s work is not only popular in print; it has also appeared in esteemed publications like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Her ability to connect past and present has made her a crucial voice in contemporary political discourse.
Congressman Tim Ryan has experienced the effects of divisive rhetoric and culture wars up close, having served as the representative for Ohio’s 13th district from 2003 to 2023. Despite Mahoning Valley, part of his district, shifting red in favor of former President Trump, Ryan, a Democrat, maintained strong support among his constituents, winning ten congressional races before stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate. Although he lost that tough race to J.D. Vance, who had aligned closely with Trump, Ryan’s success as a Democrat in a predominantly red state is a testament to his dynamic leadership in the House, his steadfast advocacy for working-class Americans, and his efforts to build bridges between Democrats and Republicans. “What he is in his own way — not my way — is he is trying to stand with the working class of Ohio — trying to stand with them and take on powerful special interests,” noted Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Nationally, Ryan became known for his positions on renewable energy, education reform, and mental health care. His forward-thinking approach earned him a reputation as a relatable and pragmatic leader who sought common ground and pursued practical solutions to complex challenges. After his political career, Ryan founded We The People, an advocacy group dedicated to fostering unity, reform, and reconciliation in American society and organizing voters frustrated with partisan politics. He also contributes as an opinion writer for Newsweek. Ryan’s tenure in Congress and his post-political efforts highlight his commitment to bridging divides and championing the needs of the working class, making him a notable figure in contemporary American politics.
Andrew Yang catapulted onto the national stage with his audacious plan for Universal Basic Income (UBI). A former presidential and mayoral candidate, co-chair of the Forward Party, and bestselling author, Yang’s innovative ideas sparked widespread discussions on automation, income inequality, and the future of work. Continuing his mission to improve the lives of everyday Americans, Yang tirelessly fights to address economic challenges and empower communities. Before founding the Forward Party, Yang established Humanity Forward, a non-profit organization that successfully lobbied Congress for direct cash relief during the pandemic. In recognition of his public service, Yang received the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in 2021. A prolific author, Yang has published five books, including The War on Normal People and Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy. He also hosts the podcast Forward with Andrew Yang, where he continues to share his insights and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.
John Heilemann is known to have a “knack for asking candidates thought-provoking, creative questions that virtually no one has ever thought to ask.” He is the creator and host of the heralded and Emmy nominated political docuseries The Circus, a national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and most recently joined Puck News as Partner and chief political columnist. He is the co-author of two New York Times No. 1 best sellers, Game Change and Double Down; both of which are widely regarded as “two of the most successful and influential books in history on presidential politics” and “the definitive accounts of the 2008 and 2012 elections, respectively.” Game Change was adapted by HBO Films and went on to win five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award. Heilemann is also the former managing editor of Bloomberg Politics and host of MSNBC and Bloomberg TV's daily political news and analysis program “With All Due Respect”. Before joining Bloomberg, Heilemann was a staff writer and columnist at New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Wired, and The Economist. His magazine writing has also appeared in Vanity Fair, GQ, Time, The New Republic, and The Washington Monthly, and been anthologized in The Best American Political Writing and The Best American Crime Writing.
