Why the Presidential Debate Left Me Feeling Hopeful

It was a low point in American politics—at least that seemed the view of both liberals and conservatives at an unusual debate watch party in Kenosha, WI.

The group of several hundred viewers had gathered on the campus of Carthage College at a convention of the organization Braver Angels. They were unsparing in their assessment of the performance of both candidates. "We want better and we deserve better," was the message I heard from both Democrats and Republicans once the debate concluded.