The Oath and The Office The Oath and The Office

Bonus Episode: Is Bipartisanship Still Possible? With Governors Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen

Sep 22, 2026 · 33m

Summary

Former Tennessee governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam discuss the limits of bipartisanship in the face of democratic threats and Christian nationalism. They argue that while partisan polarization is severe, local governance and shared values like religious freedom offer pathways for compromise. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving the peaceful transfer of power and finding common ground on issues like immigration, even when national politics are deeply divided.

Topics discussed

Introduction: Bipartisanship vs. Threats to Democracy Introducing Guests: Governors Bredesen and Haslam Origins of the 'You Might Be Right' Podcast Is Bipartisanship Possible with the Current President? Historical Example: Howard Baker and the Panama Canal Public Frustration and the Call for Better Angels Vetoing the Bible as Official Book: First Amendment Issues Christian Nationalism and Historical Religious Tolerance Finding Common Vocabulary in a Pluralistic Society Sponsor Break: Banned Camp Podcast The Limits of Compromise: January 6th Context Distinguishing Policy Disagreements from Democratic Threats Legitimacy of Elections and Heroic Bipartisan Acts Potential Areas for Future Bipartisan Compromise The Importance of How Questions Are Asked The Value of Local Governance Experience Closing Remarks and Hope for the Next Presidency Outro and Subscription Information
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