“What’s Next?” – National Politics at the Local Level

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You can watch a recording here.

A politically divided Pennsylvania was thrust into the national spotlight during the contentious 2020 national election, testing the foundations of our democracy at all levels of government. The aftermath left the state with evenly split congressional representation and increasingly inflexible partisanship from all sides.

“What’s Next?” – National Politics at the Local Level explores how tensions and fractures on national issues are playing out in local Pennsylvania politics. No matter where you stand on national debates about gun control, immigration, and abortion, urgent community issues like safety in schools, infrastructure repairs, and clean water are often decided at the local level and solutions can transcend the national rhetoric.  

Join WHYY and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council as we host a lively virtual discussion, moderated by journalist Solomon Jones, about how national politics impact local decision-making – and what’s next for Pennsylvania in this new era of hyperpolarization. 

Moderator: 

Solomon Jones: WHYY/Inquirer Columnist and Radio Host

Panelists:

Susan Spicka: Executive Director of Education Voters of PA

David Thornburgh, President, and CEO of the Committee of Seventy

Katie Meyer: WHYY Political Reporter

Funding is provided by the “Why It Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation” initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.