the author of "republican like me." he's here with my panel, howard and matt. you have to talk us through this. you found a country much different than the one depicted in the media. what did it look like? >> so, look, like a lot of people, i've been concerned about the increasing polarization in america. left hates right, right hates left, and i was aware of social science research that said we're not all that divided. our issue polarization has not changed in 25 years. so i wanted to go out and see for myself. i traveled the country talking to folks who i ordinarily wouldn't meet, try to find common ground. one of the things i found is that americans are surprisingly moderate people. you get away from the yelling and the shouting, whose side are you on? and you talk about the issues, what they care about, it is quite easy to find common ground. >> you said that you were accepted in these communities, even though you had political differences. but couldn't one make the argument, sure you were accepted, you're a white guy? >> so you could make lots of