The presidential debate our democracy deserves

In these polarized times, I’ve decided to do something that may sound crazy. I’m going to watch next week’s CNN debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump with several hundred Republicans, Democrats and independents. In one room. Together.

What could possibly go wrong?

As Americans, we’ve lost, it seems, the ability to talk with one another. From our social media feeds to family dinners to town hall meetings to college campuses, we lecture when we should listen. We drown out the voices of those with whom we disagree rather than trying to persuade them to open their minds to a different point of view.

For the sake of our families, our communities and our democracy, the way we talk to one another has to change. We know this. Most Americans say they want more civility in our national discourse. But how do we get there?