Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Is America actually divided, or does it just look that way online?
In this episode, Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei unpack one of the biggest myths in American politics: that the country is hopelessly divided. The data tells a different story.
Most Americans agree on immigration, education, healthcare, and even the role of government. But a loud minority, amplified by algorithms, cable news, and social media, distorts what we think the country believes.
Timestamps:
0:00 – The “truth bomb” about American division
0:44 – We're being duped
2:34 – What polling data really shows about immigration & education
3:32 – How 35% a minority dominates politics
4:33 – How social media and algorithms amplify the loudest voices
5:32 – No one watches cable news anymore
6:36 – What an “80% candidate” would look like
7:56 – Talk to people
Is America actually divided, or does it just look that way online?
In this episode, Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei unpack one of the biggest myths in American politics: that the country is hopelessly divided. The data tells a different story.
Most Americans agree on immigration, education, healthcare, and even the role of government. But a loud minority, amplified by algorithms, cable news, and social media, distorts what we think the country believes.
Timestamps:
0:00 – The “truth bomb” about American division
0:44 – We're being duped
2:34 – What polling data really shows about immigration & education
3:32 – How 35% a minority dominates politics
4:33 – How social media and algorithms amplify the loudest voices
5:32 – No one watches cable news anymore
6:36 – What an “80% candidate” would look like
7:56 – Talk to people
