James And US Conservative Find Common Ground Over Trump Ban

30 January 2017, 12:23

Proving that not all debate about Donald Trump's ban has to be divisive and bitter, this is what happened when James and Jeremy tried to bridge the gap between left and right.

In a fascinating call that drew a big reaction on social media, James and caller Jeremy realised that their politics may have been very different - but their desire to keep the debate civil was just the same.

"It's worse in America today than it was during slavery," said Jeremy of the current split between left and right in the US and here.

Jeremy did a nice job & kudos to @mrjamesob for allowing him to do it #nuance #JamesObrien @LBC

— T.J. McCormack (@TJMcCormack) January 30, 2017

"Look at the words of the day and the things said about the other side of the day.

"It's worse today than it was during the [American] Civil War," the caller told James. "It's more divisive and more toxic. Even then there was an admiration [for the other side]....a mutual respect.

"It's gone, it's all gone."

@LBC 'Jeremy' HUGELY informed/informative American caller. Breath of fresh air in taking pulse of USA today. Factual without inward looking.

— Ian Ross (@LondonComment) January 30, 2017

And while James and Jeremy have very different views on some of the big issues sparking debate since Trump took over, they both agree that what's missing now is nuance.

James suggested making people explain what they mean with phrases like "make America great again" and "taking back control".

"We should be asking people precisely what the mean...and keeping asking that question."

Amidst the bitterness of the current debates on Trump, Brexit, migrants and more, it's a refereshing reminder that not all debate has to be bitter and personal.