IQ2US: Gerrymandering Is Destroying the Political Center

It is alleged that the practice of gerrymandering —dividing election districts into units to favor a particular group— subverts democracy by making congressional districts “safe” for one party or the other.  As a result, only those voting in primaries are in effect choosing our representatives.   Are primary voters more extreme in their views, and therefore pulling democrats to the left and republicans to the right?  Or is the impact of gerrymandering actually overblown, while other more divisive contributing factors like the emergence of ideologically charged TV and radio outlets, the role of the internet and social network “echo chambers,” and campaign finance practices are in fact the real drivers of increasing partisanship?  If gerrymandering is a major problem, is there policy or constitutional principles that might be part of the solution?
Presented in partnership with the National Constitution Center

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Dialogue: Creating 'Game of Thrones,' Part Two

Published on Nov 14, 2016

In part two of her interview with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators of "Game of Thrones,' the duo talk about the effect the show has had on northern Ireland, the technical aspects of creating direwolves and dragons, and what's next for them. The interview was taped at the 2016 Sun Valley Writers' Conference.

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Dialogue: Creating 'Game of Thrones,' Part One

Published on Nov 14, 2016

On this edition of Dialogue, Marcia Franklin talks with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the co-creators, lead writers and showrunners of 'Game of Thrones.' In the interview, which was taped at the 2016 Sun Valley Writers' Conference, the two talk about why they wanted to make the series, the challenges involved, and how they work together. They also address concerns about violence in the series.

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This Americn Life 601: Master of Her Domain… Name

A story about Hillary Clinton that offers a different picture than what we’ve been hearing from both sides during this campaign. And some funny stuff, because everyone’s tired of the election. 

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BuzzFeed: Episode 45: Practical Tactical Brilliance (with Lin-Manuel Miranda)

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind Hamilton and In The Heights, visits us at BuzzFeed. We learn a lot about his life, geek out about Outkast, and sing. Plus: Jeb! An Uncomfortable Musical.

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6 March 2016

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CNN: Ep. 84 - Lin Manuel Miranda

October 03, 2016: 6:00 AM EST Ep. 84 - Lin Manuel Miranda 

Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton," talks to David about what he learned from meeting Stephen Sondheim in high school, what would surprise the Founders about our politics today, his advocacy for Puerto Rico as Congress debated how to address the island's debt crisis, and why he can't allow his creative output to be held captive to his own successes.

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Star Realms Episode 58: Fact or Fiction

This week, Dustin and Matt get ready for the WWG Games Fair! They also interview Jon Del Arroz, author of the forthcomings STAR REALMS novel: RESCUE RUN

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NPR: Lin-Manuel Miranda Talks 'Hamilton'

April 9, 2016

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IQ2US: Give Undocumented Immigrants a Path to Citizenship

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and the question of what to do with them has sparked years of fierce debate, but no significant action.  In 2013, the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” managed to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate, only to get it dropped by the House.  And in 2016, a deadlocked Supreme Court decision stalled President Obama’s executive actions, DACA and DAPA, which would have saved 5 million from deportation.  For voters, on this issue, the choice between presidential candidates could not be clearer.  Should we give these immigrants a chance to earn citizenship through a process that would include paying a penalty, passing a security check, and getting in the back of the line? Or are we rewarding them for breaking the rules, and encouraging more of the same?  Do they make positive contributions to the economy and complement our workforce, or do they burden taxpayers and create unwanted competition for jobs?  Should we give undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship?

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