Was The U.S. Destined To Become Hyper-Partisan? We Trace The Roots Of Division Back To The Founding Fathers

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How did our country become so hyper-partisan?

The extreme closeness of the past two Presidential Elections has made the division clear, but what has led to this?

National media commentator Spencer Critchley argues that it's been predestined since the founding of the United States.

His new book is “Patriots of Two Nations: Why Trump Was Inevitable and What Happens Next.”

Today, as the country continues to count votes and we wait to see who our next President is, Spencer Critchley joins us to discuss what he thinks are the real reasons we're so divided – and how we can reunite.

Critchley is a writer and producer with experience in journalism, film, presidential campaigns, public relations, advertising and music. He's also the Managing Partner of the communications consulting agency Boots Road Group and host of the podcast “Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good.”

Also, Dr. Kirstin Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute, explains the latest in COVID headlines, including:

• New peaks in case globally, nationally (CDC) and in Texas
• Estimates that 10% of the US population has been exposed and now has antibodies to SARS-CoV2 putting us nowhere near “herd immunity” (Scientist)
• Hospitalizations surging in US (AP)
• UK among several countries to lock down again to reduce rates
• Reinfections with Covid-19 happen, but are rare (Scientist)

And, Professor Dietrich von Biedenfeld of University of Houston – Downtown discusses:

• Economic impact of the election
• Likelihood of a relief package
• Houston, GLO agree to delay Harvey housing takeover pending a new deal on funds

Houston Public Media reporter Matt Harab also joins Ernie with a story out of Denmark about a coronavirus mutation discovered in minks and its implications. UPDATE to that story here.

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.

Audio from today’s show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.