America divided concept, american flag on cracked background. US elections, polarization and division between republicans and democrats, rich and poor, educated and non educated people
Braver Angels: Braver Angels Cofounder Reflects on a Movement to Bridge America’s Divide
-
Asia Tabb
America divided concept, american flag on cracked background. US elections, polarization and division between republicans and democrats, rich and poor, educated and non educated people
Aired; July 3rd, 2025.
Listen to the podcast to her the full conversation.
David Blankenhorn, a Harvard graduate and cofounder of Braver Angels, has stepped down after nine years as President of the nonprofit organization he helped launch in response to America’s growing political polarization.
“We saw the crisis of polarization in the country and wanted to do something about it,” Blankenhorn said in a conversation on The Spark. “I continue to be involved for that reason—and also because of the wonderful people.”
Founded in the wake of the 2016 election, Braver Angels was created to bring liberals, conservatives, and independents together in civil conversations that rebuild trust and strengthen democracy. As one of the three original founders, Blankenhorn helped shape the organization’s mission from its earliest days—and lived that mission in his leadership.
“I’ve been doing pretty much this kind of thing since I was 15 years old,” he said. His decades-long commitment to fostering respectful dialogue, especially across political lines, has made him a key voice in the growing movement for depolarization.
