On The Media's Bob Garfield on Election Results, Media Bias, and the Culpability of Brands

Less than 24 hours from the polls closing, legendary NPR host and decorated journalist Bob Garfield joins us in a state he describes as "filterless and at my wits' end". Beyond being an award winning Radio Host, Podcaster, six time book Author, Bob is also the founder of the Purple Project for Democracy - a non-partisan coalition, campaign and movement to rediscover and recommit to our democratic values and institutions. During our conversation, Bob shared his exhaustion and disenchantment with seeking to understand and find common ground with those who support, "Trumpism". His descriptions of those on the Trump side of the polarization spectrum ranged between "having much to answer for" and "blood on their hands". He had similarly harsh words for sponsors of Fox News. Not unlike last week's interview with Newt Gingrich, Bob is someone who spent part of the discussion talking about past efforts to find common ground but who generally sees both sides of the spectrum reaching a place of incompatibility (my words, not his). Like Newt, Bob is in what he sees as a fight to save democracy. He also believes in the impact that Brands can make through their stewardship of ad dollars. The other area where they both seem to agree is in the idea that I'm living in a fantasy world. My belief is that reconciliation is possible, but only if one side will have the humility to lay down their weapons and take responsibility for the problem. Then it will be safe for the other side to follow suit. As we move through our next series of decisions about what programs we will sponsor and how we will respond as citizens to already disputed election results, you will have to choose which reality you believe.

-Dan Granger

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