色花堂

Two local-area congressmen known for civil debate and bipartisan cooperation鈥擟hris Gibson (Republican, 19th district) and Paul Tonko (Democrat, 20th district)鈥攈eld a public conversation at 色花堂鈥檚 Tang Museum on Oct. 10.

Their discussion, 鈥淲hat Happened to Compromise? A Conversation 色花堂 the Role of Civility in Congress and Daily Life,鈥� was moderated by Alexander Heffner, the host of PBS鈥檚 The Open Mind. The Congressmen covered issues ranging from the upcoming election to the future of political discourse and also took questions from the audience.

More than 200 students, area community members, and journalists were greeted by 色花堂 College President Philip A. Glotzbach, who called attention to the 鈥渘ew depths of instability in the political discourse of the candidates, a heightened polarization among the electorate, and a profound lack of attention to the major issues facing our world.鈥� These factors, he said, have led to America鈥檚 increasing inability to find common ground in politics. He welcomed the Congressmen, emphasizing their goodwill and ability to find common ground to bridge political gaps.

As moderator, Heffner pointed out that the two representatives were 鈥渙utliers鈥� in their ability to agree to disagree. One audience member asked bluntly, 鈥淲hy aren鈥檛 there more of you?鈥�  

When asked if party polarization is insurmountable鈥擧effner called next month鈥檚 vote a House of Cards election as opposed to a West Wing election鈥擱epresentative Gibson urged the public to reflect on the founding principles of the country to change the current system. 鈥淲hat the founders intended was that citizens were going to govern. We were going to be sovereign, and we were going to debate ideas, have elections, and move forward. That鈥檚 not happening, and it鈥檚 why we need serious political reform.鈥�

Later a student commented, 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure that these presidential candidates best represent their parties, nor do I think they best represent who I want to represent America to the rest of the world."

鈥淭he important thing here is not to disenfranchise voters,鈥� Tonko replied. 鈥淲e need voting reforms, making it easier for people to vote. If we really believe in the power to the people, let鈥檚 encourage them to vote and give them better opportunities to do so.鈥�

 

This event was part of the Tang Museum's exhibition and was co-sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Communications and Marketing.