Should I go all in on post-partisanship?
seeking advice, and also input on a possible rebrand
A few weeks ago I wrote a piece about how I’m embracing political homelessness and an evolving political identity. Since then, I’ve been thinking about the next leg of my political journey and wanted to run something by you. I’m thinking about more fully and explicitly embracing post-partisanship.
In some respects I am already here. After January 6th, when Drag Queen Story Hour panic reached fever pitch and I concluded that Trump attempted a coup, I remember telling myself: While everyone else is polarizing, I’m going to consensus-build. While everyone else is focusing on dumb culture war issues, I’m going to focus on solving real problems. During that time, I became very critical of the Right. I started a think tank, the Boyd Institute, to engage with geopolitical issues.
Let me define what I mean by post-partisanship by first stating what I don’t want it to mean. I don’t want it to mean growing a man-bun, singing kumbaya, and using the phrase “holding space” a dozen times a day (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). I don’t want it to mean turning into a mealy-mouthed push-over with bland, median-voter opinions either. I like having spicy takes and contrarian views. I like thinking independently. I am still center-right in my views: pro-market, pro-sovereignty, a geopolitical realist, and socially liberal but anti-woke. Put simply, I don’t want it to mean not being authentically me.
And yet, I feel strongly that I want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. I feel strongly about preserving the health of our democratic institutions, Constitution, and social fabric. I feel strongly that we as a society have agency: that polarization is a choice; that we can create the vibe shift we seek through collective will. These stakes are authentically me too.
Post-partisanship, as I define it, is an approach to politics that emphasizes collaboration and practical solutions over ideological divisions and party loyalty. It is less of an ideology than an approach. In another post, I may outline a broader set of principles of post-partisanship or maybe even a manifesto on it. I think there’s a way to be post-partisan and still me, but I’m not sure what that looks like.
Despite an upcoming election that is bound to be as polarizing as it is geriatric, I believe we are reaching a post-partisan moment. The signs are everywhere, even among some on the right and even the far right.
, who’s gone through his own evolution, supported Biden before I did. recently conducted an interview with Briana Wu, saying:I used to cringe at those who argue that our problems could all be solved if we simply talked to one another. But given how little open-minded discourse between conservatives and liberals there is now, we’re probably well below the optimal amount.
The smarter, saner edges of the Right recognize that Trump is toxic and that an authoritarian threat exists on the Right as well as the Left. For some, including me and Hanania, there’s been a coming full circle back to classical liberalism.
I used to dislike
but now find myself agreeing with many of their takes. Putting aside the aesthetics of Never Trumpers, were they not right all along about some things?On the left, there’s an entire industry of pro-democracy writers and influencers, a number of whom I’ve come to respect. I don’t agree with
on many policy issues, but I appreciate his voice and style. Same with and ; reading them is like an exercise in cultural anthropology.Prolific policy wonks like
and do the slow, boring work of addressing meaningful problems, and I respect their intellectual openness and evidence-driven approaches. Likewise, I’m convinced Jonathan Haidt is a critical voice in forging a post-partisan ethos and have become a fan of his Substack, .Meanwhile, groups like Braver Angels are on the ground bringing people together, and I know some of my readers are involved with it. Although these groups have never appealed to me,
’s review of his experience suggests I should keep an open mind.People are exhausted by endless polarization and, as I said, I want to be part of the solution. I realize embracing post-partisanship isn’t an all-or-nothing binary, but here is where I would welcome some advice:
To what extent should I embrace post-partisanship and go deep here?
I’m thinking of rebranding my Substack “Beyond the Divide” but I’m mixed on whether this opens rich new horizons or pigeonholes me. What do you think? Shall I keep it eponymous or go for the rebrand?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or email me directly. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
P.S. updates
If you haven’t noticed, I’m going through a Wayne Thiebaud phase. Love his art. A late Bay Area guy to boot (he passed in 2021 at age 101).
The other night I watched the movie “The Way Back” on Prime. It was an outstanding depiction of recovery. Ben Affleck was so good. I recommend it.
The head of my son’s school mandated that all teachers and parents read “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt over the summer (his Substack
is excellent). I love his leadership of the school community. I’ve been fanboying Haidt for some time and am excited to dig into the book.We are going to a Memorial Day BBQ this evening, and I may take my kid to the beach at some point. What are you up to?
This idea is excellent. As the long tails on the left and right get longer and crazier, it's leaving a big opportunity for folks in the sensible middle on all sides of the political spectrum. I love that you're thinking about approaching this in a positive and productive way. I would be keen to see where this goes and personally would be bullish on the concept. I certainly will be following along!
...down for this but only if you grow a man-bun...