In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Tom shares how his team uses advanced research, data, and AI to evaluate congressional representatives based on their ability to work constructively across party lines. The conversation highlights why leadership rooted in cooperation is essential for building durable solutions and how this initiative is a rallying call for citizens to demand better from their government. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:48 - Does The Public Want Bipartisanship? 04:07 - Leadership 08:41 - The Builders Program and the Power Rankings 16:45 - Distributing the Data 21:48 - Measuring Results 23:35 - Result Feeds 29:48 - Potential Features to be Added 30:46 - Movement Partners 35:23 - Raising Revenue 36:15 - Participating with the Builders Program 39:02 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins, an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning, McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement. They also address the complex dynamics between faith and politics, the struggle for moral integrity, and the role of religion in modern conservative politics. Topics Discussed in This Video: - Mitt Romney: McKay reflects on Romney’s political journey – from his time as a presidential candidate to his emergence as a principled critic of Donald Trump. They discuss how Romney’s faith and moral compass guided his decisions and transformed his public image. - Religion and Politics: The conversation delves into the uneasy relationship between Trumpism and religious conservatism. McKay discusses the struggles of people of faith – especially Mormons – with Trump’s leadership style and policies. They also touch on the broader implications of the Democratic Party’s secular tilt and its impact on religious voters. - Faith in the Modern Media Landscape: What does it mean to be a person of faith in a secular media world? McKay recounts his personal journey as a religious journalist covering contentious political topics, including the pressure to remain fair and unbiased. He describes how faith offers unique perspectives, but also creates challenges in an industry often skeptical of religious belief. - Inside Journalism Today and What Needs to Change: McKay and Paul explore the erosion of trust in journalism, the decline of local news, and the rise of hyper-partisan media outlets. They reflect on how media polarization fuels negative partisanship, making Americans more distrustful of opposing viewpoints. Despite these challenges, McKay expresses optimism about journalism's role in rebuilding civic trust. - What Makes You Optimistic About America?: Despite the challenges in journalism and politics, Coppins expresses optimism. He highlights that most Americans are not consumed by partisan conflicts and continue to focus on everyday values – family, work, and community involvement. He believes this majority represents the country’s true spirit, offering hope for bridging divides. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - Mitt Romney 09:40 - Mormons & Trumpism 15:16 - Trump, the Democratic Party, & Religion 26:00 - Concerns with Trump & Religion 33:33 - Having Self Agency 38:50 - Religion and Political Parties 48:01 - How Difficult Is It For a Person of Faith to Survive in Today's Media World? 50:43 - Being Fair and Unbiased 56:45 - Inside of Journalism Today & What Needs To Be Fixed 1:03:51 - What Makes You Optimistic About America? 1:06:07 - Final Remarks & Conclusion