Can The American People Still Find Consensus? Let’s find out
Summary
Former Congressman Joe Walsh hosts an interactive session with the Big Middle to explore consensus on the 2026 midterm elections. Using the Converge platform, listeners anonymously brainstorm key issues like affordability and immigration, then rank potential positive and negative outcomes for the election process. The episode aims to identify the "big middle" by analyzing where Americans find common ground despite political divisions, focusing on restoring trust in democratic institutions and ensuring a fair, high-turnout election.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Zinn and Citizens Bank
Show introduction and host's personal journey
Mission to heal political division through listening
Introducing The Big Middle and interactive format
Guest introduction: Michelle Harrison's background
Defining key midterm issues and personal stakes
Session goals and introduction of Converge platform
Platform setup and audience participation instructions
Participant demographics and background data collection
Brainstorming: Initial reactions to the midterms
Assessing the consequentiality of the election
Identifying key issues influencing voter decisions
Ranking the top five influential midterm themes
Brainstorming elements of a positive election process
Selecting preferred positive outcomes for midterms
Identifying potential negative outcomes and fears
Predicting likelihood of positive vs negative outcomes
Summarizing the 'Big Middle' consensus in one sentence
Revealing the final consensus statement
Closing reflections and call to action for The Big Middle
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