Steve Schmidt and Varshini Prakash on Disrupting Climate Politics
Can we break up the political logjam on climate? \u201cThe brokenness of our politics,\u201d says Republican political strategist Stephen Schmidt, \u201cis that we have 90% agreement on a dozen different solutions that we cannot get through the state or federal legislative processes -- because of the systemic brokenness of politics.\u201d Not long ago, Democrats and Republicans basically agreed on climate change. Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger put California at the head of the charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Senator John McCain crossed the proverbial aisle to co-sponsor three versions of the Climate Stewardship Act -- none of which made it through the senate. In today\u2019s ultra-partisan climate, when even wearing a face mask is seen as a political statement, can both parties ever get on the same page? \u201cI do think that one of the aspects, if we want to move climate change forward as an issue,\u201d Schmidt continues, \u201cis that the two sides, they\u2019re gonna have to learn to speak American to each other.\u201d Visit climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts for more information on today's episode. Guests: Steve Schmidt, Co-Founder, The Lincoln Project; Former Senior Presidential Campaign Strategist, John McCain Varshini Prakash, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Sunrise Movement, co-author, Winning the Green New Deal: Why We Must, How We Can (Simon & Schuster, 2020) This program was recorded on September 18 and September 24, 2020.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices