You're Not Winning This Argument, Jay

About this episode

Political arguments are everywhere. Productive political conversations? Not so much. Jay sits down with writer, poet, and political analyst Robert Arnold, author of Defiance Until Death, to talk about why America has become obsessed with winning arguments instead of actually solving problems—and why humiliating the other side probably isn’t changing anyone’s mind. Robert talks about growing up in rural Arkansas, why he thinks he can reach people across the political divide, the role of faith and identity in American politics, and what it actually takes to have a conversation with someone who completely disagrees with you. Along the way, Robert attempts something considerably more difficult: explaining all of this to Jay. They also get into rural America, MAGA, political burnout, money in politics, why local elections matter more than most people realize, and whether there’s still a way for Americans to disagree without treating every conversation like a fight to the death. Follow Robert Arnold and check out Defiance Until Death wherever books are sold. Subscribe to Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen for more conversations with writers, comedians, actors, creators, and thought lead