Let's Find Common Ground

Produced by the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and guided by co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy — one a veteran Democratic strategist, the other a longtime Republican operative — Let's Find Common Ground is built on the unusual premise that American politics might actually benefit from two old rivals sitting in the same room. The biweekly show brings in elected officials, campaign veterans, journalists, academics, and policy experts for conversations about the issues driving the news cycle, with a standing commitment to respecting the other side as adversaries rather than enemies. Recent episodes have taken on redistricting fights, the midterm election landscape, transatlantic relations, California's fiscal future, and a fireside conversation with Jonathan Turley on rage and the republic. Shrum and Murphy's shared history in tough national campaigns gives the discussions a grounded, practitioner's feel — they know where the knives are, and they are willing to talk honestly about what works on the trail and what does not. The show absorbed The Bully Pulpit earlier in its run, which widened the guest roster considerably. The three guiding principles are simple: respect each other, respect the truth, and treat opponents as adversaries rather than enemies. Most political shows pay lip service to that idea. This one actually tries to live it, and the result is a civil, substantive weekly-ish listen for anyone who wants political news coverage that takes disagreement seriously without devolving into performance.