Think Twice: Navigating the Election Cycle & Civic Power with Eric Liu
Summary
Host John Donvan interviews Eric Liu, co-founder of Citizen University, about his new book, Live Like a Citizen. They discuss the need to renew "civic faith" in democracy by moving beyond national politics to local, relationship-based engagement. Liu shares stories from his time in the White House and his work training "civic catalysts" to foster listening and community through rituals like the Sworn Again America Ceremony. The conversation also touches on Liu’s late wife, Janae, and the importance of addressing civic grief to combat polarization.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Progressive Insurance
Introduction: The state of American civility
Guest intro: Eric Liu and his new book
Was the 1950s/60s better for democracy?
Eric's childhood and immigrant perspective
The power of naturalization ceremonies
The 'Sworn Again America' oath
What is Citizen University?
Civic Saturdays and local gatherings
Managing conflict and listening in debates
Starting with the heart, not the head
Case study: Carmina Taylor's outreach
The politics of grievance and visibility
Audience engagement and debate dynamics
Different forms of listening
Observations from Washington D.C.
Politicians as followers, not leaders
Motivation for social entrepreneurship
Eric's local civic experiences in Seattle
Founding Citizen University with Jeanne
Jeanne's passing and civic grief
Sponsor: Carvana
The need for better arguments
Eric's changing view on Asian American identity
Influences: Libertarians and democratic theory
Q&A: Countering concentrated wealth
Q&A: Local participation vs. national power
Q&A: Misinformation and shared reality
Q&A: Facts vs. relational work
Q&A: Hope and the benefits of joining
The importance of invitation and belonging
Closing thoughts and book details
Sponsor: Monday.com
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