Friendship Across the Party Line: A Debate That Matters

On March 17, former Obama adviser David Axelrod and ex‑Bush aide Scott Jennings met at Arizona State University to discuss national issues. Joined by former Senator Jeff Flake, now a university director, the conversation was part of ASU’s Dialogues for Democracy series.

Friendship Beyond Politics

Both men emphasized their close friendship despite opposing views.

• Axelrod asked why it feels wrong to be friendly with a political opponent.
• Jennings praised Axelrod’s willingness to listen first, noting that disagreements never hurt their dialogue.
• Axelrod called Jennings “one of the smartest people he has met on television.”

Media, Politics, and Shared Humanity

• Media’s Role: Jennings said that entertaining debates can be informative if the right guests are chosen, though viral clips risk oversimplification.
• Partisan Division: Axelrod noted that people assume the worst because they rarely meet outside partisan circles and hopes future dialogue focuses on shared humanity.

Presidential Power & Governance

• Trump’s Presidency: Axelrod said it pushed him toward conservatism and questioned whether presidents should have more or less authority to break gridlock.
• Congressional Slow‑Down: Jennings highlighted Congress’s sluggishness and the pressure on presidents to act quickly, often leading to short‑term fixes.

Government Size & Policy

• Trump’s Record: Jennings claimed Trump was the only Republican in 26 years to shrink federal government.
• Sustainability: Axelrod warned that rapid actions might prevent sustainable progress.

Iran Conflict

• Intervention: Axelrod questioned whether Trump should have prepared the public for U.S. intervention in Iran.
• Defense: Jennings defended Trump’s stance, citing Iran’s missile program and nuclear ambitions. He noted that military objectives were reportedly met but the current Iranian leadership remains uncertain.

The SAVE Act

• Voting Rights: Axelrod doubted the need for a national citizenship proof requirement, citing Arizona’s voter ID laws and lack of widespread fraud.
• Counterpoint: Jennings acknowledged some evidence of phantom voters but argued a national standard could boost confidence in elections.

Conclusion

Both men agreed that respectful dialogue across party lines is essential for a healthy democracy, even when policy details differ.