Healing, governing and leading after Election 2012

What became evident in the wake of the hard-fought, often heated 2012 election is that the United States is a deeply divided union — politically, philosophically, economically and racially.  In recent days, the candidates and members of both parties have called on the country and its leaders to come together to end the gridlock that has pervaded Washington, D.C.  In his acceptance speech the President said that he was “looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together.”  Even Speaker of the House John Boehner said that the election results showed that the voters want political leaders to find common ground.  In this hour of Radio Times we’ll explore the challenges of moving forward after a contentious election season.  We’ll start off talking with former Republican strategist MATTHEW DOWD about what it will take to heal, govern, and lead in the months ahead.  Then, we’ll explore what’s ahead for the White House and Congress when it comes to dealing with our immediate economic future.  Can our leaders compromise to avoid the “fiscal cliff?” Our guests are Politico’s JAKE SHERMAN and MARILYN GEEWAX of NPR.

Listen:
[audio: 111312_100630.mp3]

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster