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Dialogue: Intra-Party Divisions In An Election Year

WUOT News, Matt Shafer Powell

In Nashville, conservative Republicans are in year five of a tense alliance with legislative leaders and a governor they sometimes accuse of being too moderate to get things done. And those same Republican leaders have had to put the brakes on legislation they deem too extreme or too unwise for state business.

On the presidential campaign trail, so-called establishment Republicans are grappling with what Donald Trump's rise means for their future. And Hillary and Bernie supporters are hurling insults at each other as much or more so than at their Republican opponent.

The political dialogue in this election cycle is fraught to say the very least, and much of the rancor is concentrated within the respective political parties. But if you think the tone and uncertainty of this election year is unprecedented, we're here to tell you it's not.

Maryville College political science professor Mark O'Gorman and WPLN reporter Chas Sisk join host Brandon Hollingsworth for a discussion about intra-party dynamics in this topsy-turvy election year, and what it might mean for parties, elected officials and voters.

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