The Brain Lehrer Show

Drawing on their popular class, Princeton University history professors Julian Zelizer and Kevin Kruse , co-authors of Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974   (W. W. Norton & Company, 2019), trace the roots of today's political polarization to 1974. "A college freshman today was born around 9/11... they came of age in an era during a stark political polarization… it wasn’t always this way and there was a conscious set of choices that led us here," says , professor at Princeton and author of "Fault Lines." — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) "Now it’s just out in the open and it’s front and center in terms of how it’s used by this administration." 2/2 — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer)

Stephen Castle , New York Times London correspondent, and Amy Davidson Sorkin , staff writer at The New Yorker , discusses the latest Brexit news.

Corey Johnson , Speaker of the New York City Council (and acting Public Advocate), talks about issues facing the City Council and takes calls from listeners. "I don't think it's a done deal," , his power in Senate majority, & role of Public Authorities Control Board w/r/t project approval (tho Cuomo says PACB can't block deal). — Ben Max (@TweetBenMax) On -which, I'll again highlight, is a sign of healthier democracy made possible by NYC's public matching funds system. — David Moore (@ppolitics) Someone complaining to . [Ahem bike parking IS parking.] CJ indicates needs rebalancing & CitiBike is a "huge success, want to expand to other neighborhoods." — Bike Tarrytown (@BikeTarrytown)

New York Times columnist David Leonhardt talks about the ongoing federal government shutdown and what it shows about the strengths and weaknesses of the progressive movement. "As the summer of 2016 came around, it became clear that Hillary Clinton had a lot of weaknesses as a candidate, but it was too late, Democrats really hadn’t run a full campaign.... Democrats shouldn’t try eliminating candidates at this stage," says . — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) "While I agree that there is a risk that a female candidate is damaged by sexism… the mere notion of having a female nominee will play some role in curing that sexism. It’ll then be the second time in a row and it won’t be one of the Clintons who come with baggage," . — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) "While I agree that there is a risk that a female candidate is damaged by sexism… the mere notion of having a female nominee will play some role in curing that sexism. It’ll then be the second time in a row and it won’t be one of the Clintons who come with baggage," . — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) "Impeaching [Trump] now is a favor to him, it focuses attention on House Dems who are never going to be popular with Republicans and instead gives the GOP reasons for unity. I think Democrats should be strategic about this and peel off Republican support," says . — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) You can read more on — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer)

  In honor of Martin Luther King Day, The Brian Lehrer Show remembers his legacy with clips from Sunday’s Apollo Theater event hosted by Brian and All Things Considered's Jami Floyd, celebrating the contributions of some of the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Terrance McKnight, host for WQXR, emceed the event. Panelists included: Janet Dewart Bell, Bishop Michael Curry, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, Chester Higgins, Jr., Dr. Aldon Morris, Andrea Taylor and Kai Wright.