Future of democracy in Arizona and religion perspectives

A panel discussion is being held at Arizona State University titled, “What’s next for Democracy, Views from Arizona.” They will discuss what is next for democracy from an Arizona and religious perspective. Panelists will discuss the results of the 2024 election, with a particular eye on religion’s influence.

Panelists will include former Arizona State Representative Rusty Bowers, current State Senator Mitzi Epstein and Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. The event will be moderated by the PBS News Hour’s Stephanie Sy.

Joining “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more on this topic is John Carlson, Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict at Arizona State University and co-director of the Recovering Truth project.

“We have a really divided electorate,” Carlson said. “We have people who are only focused on issues like the economy or immigration. We have a whole other group of folks who are deeply concerned about the future of democracy.”

Host and managing editor of “Arizona Horizon” Ted Simons asked Carlson his thoughts on the changing media landscape.

“Americans are living in two kinds of fundamental realities,” Carlson said. “We don’t live in a common world of facts, what’s true, what’s authentic, what’s trustworthy or not.”

Carlson emphasized the discussion will primarily focus on Arizona politics and the state of democracy in the country.

“There’s a point in accepting the results and living with them, even if your side lost,” Carlson said.