Is Unity Possible in US Politics? Political and Cultural Leaders Weigh In

‘The challenge is to achieve a unity of civility yet maintain our right to free speech,’ former Kentucky Democrat says.

People watch the National Independence Day parade in Washington on July 4, 2024. Caroline Li/The Epoch Times

News Analysis

Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, both the Republican 2024 nominee and President Joe Biden called for unity and a reduction in political tensions. The former president dramatically altered his Republican National Convention (RNC) speech to focus on national unity.

Republicans, Democrats, and their followers have used divisive language to describe their opponents, with Republicans accusing Democrats of being socialists or a threat to American values, and Democrats portraying Republicans as extremists or fascists.

A 2023 Pew Research study shows that 86 percent of Americans believe Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than solving problems. Almost 70 percent of those surveyed say they are frustrated by the lack of objective information about politics.

The Epoch Times spoke with several political and cultural leaders about whether they think unity is possible for America ahead of the 2024 election.

What Does Unity Look Like in a Divided Society?

Chris Gorman was a Democrat during his years of elected office as a Jefferson County Commissioner and Kentucky attorney general. He’s now affiliated with the Forward Party, a movement he says seeks to bring moderates, conservatives, and progressives together to heal the nation’s political divisions. Mr. Gorman told The Epoch Times that agreeing to be civil to one another is a goal all should value.

“The challenge is to achieve a unity of civility yet maintain our right to free speech,” Mr. Gorman said. “What makes us a great nation is that we provide a mechanism where you can peacefully petition the government utilizing the rights of free speech and freedom of assembly protected by the Constitution.”

Mr. Gorman says he’s worked hard to treat everyone equally regardless of their political persuasion. He recalled attending a Trump rally in 2016, where he stood in line for two hours to hear the former president speak even though he had significant objections to his policy perspectives and demeanor.

“The right to listen is a collateral right that comes with free speech,” he said. “I was appalled by the Black Lives Matter protestors insulting people and trying to inhibit Trump’s right to speak.”

Mr. Gorman, who is now the city attorney for Prospect, Kentucky, hopes that Americans can, at minimum, unite and recognize that everyone has the right to share their positions and citizens have a right to gather safely to support their preferred candidate.

Paul Begley told The Epoch Times that to cultivate a genuinely unified society, we must first recognize the impossibility of an alliance between good and evil. Those of a conservative or Christian worldview cannot compromise moral and cultural values in the pursuit of unity.

“The divisiveness of this country needs to stop,” said Mr. Begley, a pastor and author of “Revelation 911: How the Book of Revelation Intersects with Today’s Headlines.”

“America needs to heal,” he said.

Mr. Begley agrees that the widening partisan divide is a significant obstacle to effective governance. This polarization extends beyond government into broader society, making compromise and cooperation increasingly difficult.

“Unity does not mean we compromise our convictions,” Mr. Begley said. “Even if folks don’t believe in the Bible, unity can mean respecting each other and agreeing to disagree respectfully.”

“The adults in the room have to say we are one nation under God, and we know we can’t agree on everything,” Mr. Begley said. “Let the branches of government do their jobs. Then, live with the decisions and agree that we will play by the same rules and not be so offensive.”

Ending Demonization

Rickey Cole is a seven-generation farmer in Jones County and former Chair of the Mississippi Democratic Party. He told The Epoch Times that most citizens want what’s best for the nation and their families, but heated rhetoric prevents meaningful debate and mutual agreement.

“We need to stop demonizing one another and existing in our own echo chambers,” said Mr. Cole. “America has a rich heritage. Unity is easier when we don’t question each other’s patriotism just because we have a different perspective. It’s not helpful when we think we’re morally superior to someone else.”

Mr. Cole, who advocates for removing the sales tax on Mississippi-produced food, also serves on the 2024 Democratic Party Platform Committee.

Some contend unity rhetoric might discourage healthy debate and critical thinking, which are essential in a democracy. Misuse of calls for unity can even mean blind obedience.

Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has consistently called for unity and healing in America across various occasions and issues. Ms. King told The Epoch Times that achieving unity often requires addressing underlying issues causing division.

“It’s important to look for win-win solutions by not dominating one another, Ms. King said. “To do that, we must be willing to repent and forgive.”

Ms. King, a strong supporter of former President Trump, says Democrats and Republicans must avoid the labels of conservative and liberal as they are just as dangerous and misleading as any other label.

“We are in a momentous time as a country,” Ms. King said. “To proceed, we must treat those we disagree with as God would. Amidst the chaos, we must embrace peace.”

Like her uncle, Ms. King advocates for nonviolent resistance and peaceful dialogue, which she says can be applied to political discourse. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, as a path to unity.

“A good first step and unifying decision is to stop killing one another,” Ms. King said. “We must value the human dignity in each other.”

Identifying Common Goals

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) says identifying common goals can effectively lead to unity in some areas of the current political environment. From the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Dr. Marshall told The Epoch Times that the historic speech by teamsters President Sean O'Brien was an example of unexpected collaboration.

In a departure from previous GOP gatherings, Mr. O’Brien delivered a fiery pro-labor address that challenged the influence of large corporations on politics.

“We all have a friend or family member who has been in a union,” Dr. Marshall said, following a breakfast he attended with the teamster’s president. “I’m looking at where the opportunities to work with the union make sense and evaluate what we have in common.”

Dr. Marshall practiced medicine in Great Bend, Kansas, for more than 25 years and served in the Army Reserves for seven years. He said finding unity is easier said than done, but it’s time to turn down the rhetoric.

Studies show that social media tends to amplify emotional and morally-charged political messages, which can increase polarization and create disunity. Posts with more emotive and moral language are more likely to be shared and go viral. Social media algorithms then often show users content that already aligns with their political beliefs, creating “echo chambers” that reinforce existing views and limit exposure to more diverse perspectives.

“Frankly, we need to turn off the TV,” Dr. Marshall said. “Especially on cable news, where their goal is to make us mad. I understand that if it bleeds, it leads, but the media is also responsible for flaming division.”

As an OB/GYN, Mr. Marshall said he has delivered more than 5,000 babies, which he says has given him a deep respect and enthusiasm for the sanctity of life and a close knowledge of the health care system.

While working together toward shared goals helps build unity between colleagues, Dr. Marshall says knowing one’s nonnegotiable issues is essential.

“I know what sword I’m willing to die for,” Dr. Marshall said.