USA (Washington Insider Magazine) — Judy Woodruff dives into the intense political and cultural divisions tearing at America’s social fabric. The program, airing December 19, captures the thoughts and concerns of everyday Americans as Woodruff travels across the nation to explore why Americans seem more divided than ever.
Launched in early 2023, the project spans 11 months of reporting across 14 states, capturing moments of both unity and polarization among American citizens. Woodruff notes that these divisions often go beyond policy disagreements; they’re fueled by what she describes as “negative partisanship,” where Americans increasingly label those with opposing views as ignorant or immoral.
The documentary spotlights examples of division in communities like Saegertown, Pennsylvania, where debates over banning certain books and restricting classroom discussions on race have fractured long-standing relationships. One parent, Teresa Barickman, shared that national political rhetoric has emboldened community members to express divisive and often hostile opinions.
Woodruff’s work also considers the role of the news media in fueling division. In conversations with Americans, many attributed the intense partisanship to the influence of sensationalist media coverage that stokes anger and mistrust. In Cleveland, Woodruff met with members of the nonpartisan group Braver Angels, where participants expressed dismay over how political affiliation has become a basis for judgment. Republican Mark Nieberding explained, “If you tell me who you voted for, I can discount you as a person right away, which is antithetical to what this country should be.”
The documentary also delves into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the dangers of extreme anti-government ideologies, suggesting that unchecked partisanship could lead to even deeper societal rifts. Survivor Dennis Purifoy reflects on the event and warns of rising extremism, underlining the urgency of dialogue and understanding.
Woodruff’s journey reveals a desire among many Americans for a return to healthy, democratic debate where differing opinions are tolerated without scorn. As the country heads into the divisive 2024 election year, America at a Crossroads poses the question: Can Americans rebuild trust in one another and in their leaders? Woodruff, determined to keep searching for answers, remains hopeful that change is possible, one conversation at a time.
