‘Two dads defending democracy’ highlights civil discourse in divisive times
Fred Guttenberg ’88, a businessman-turned-activist following his daughter’s murder in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, and former Illinois Republican congressman Joe Walsh modeled dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect across difference, even around contentious issues, during a visit to Skidmore College.
Part of Skidmore’s 2024 election programming, "Two Dads Defending Democracy: Bridging the Gap During Divisive Times” was moderated by Professor of Sociology John Brueggemann and served as a testament to the power of civil discourse, even in an era of intense political polarization.
Skidmore College President Marc C. Conner opened the Oct. 16 event by emphasizing the importance of free speech and democratic engagement — and indeed disagreement — as core Skidmore values.
"This event is part of our emphasis on speech and expression," remarked Conner, a founding member of , who has made free speech a hallmark of his presidency. “Ultimately this is part of our commitment to preparing our students for democratic citizenship that is at the very heart of the mission of Skidmore College. I don't think that mission has ever been more imperative than it is today.”
Conner said hosting the conversation reflected Skidmore’s broader commitment to fostering a space where open dialogue and multiple perspectives are valued.
Guttenberg, a Skidmore college alumnus, is the 2023 recipient of Skidmore's Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction. He has credited his education at Skidmore with teaching him how to write and communicate clearly – essential skills in his current advocacy role.
He entered public life after the loss of his daughter, Jaime, a victim in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Guttenberg has since channeled his grief into activism, becoming a passionate advocate for gun safety reform.
Fred Guttenberg ’88 speaks as former Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (standing) listens in a political science course taught by Associate Professor Ron Seyb (seated).
“I went home that night and I walked into my house and I said to my family and friends, I'm going to break the gun lobby,” Guttenberg told the audience in the Arthur Zankel Music Center.
Guttenberg’s relationship with Walsh began with heated exchanges on Twitter and television. “I started going after guys like Joe. Joe’s a gun guy. I saw him as a guy who didn't care about violence.”
The discussion at Skidmore centered on the two men’s gradual transition from adversaries to friends.
Walsh, a vocal supporter of gun rights and Republican critic of Donald Trump, has more recently become an advocate for civil discourse and dialogue across the political spectrum. He said his efforts to engage with others like Guttenberg were part of a broader mission to understand opposing viewpoints and find common ground.
“I made it my mission from that point forward to do something about the divide that people like me helped to create," stated Walsh, host of the “White Flag with Joe Walsh” podcast. “We hate the people who disagree with us because we don't understand why they think the way they do.”
Walsh emphasized the importance of listening in a world where people often demonize those with opposing views. Once both men started engaging in conversation, they realized that their differences weren’t always as insurmountable as they initially seemed.
"I quickly learned this isn't a guy who is OK with gun violence. I quickly learned this isn't a guy who's okay with kids dying in schools – that he has a family that he loves too," Guttenberg explained. "And he quickly learned that I'm not a gun grabber. That's not what I'm trying to do.”
The event provided a powerful example of how people from different political backgrounds can engage in meaningful conversations without compromising their beliefs.
“We disagree on most public policy issues ... We are best friends now, but we disagree on damn near everything,” Walsh pointed out. "You don’t have to agree with them, but part of being an American citizen is tolerating differences. You have to be respectful toward different people."
The conversation also conveyed a broader message about how to bring about change in the country.
“We as a country are in such a divided place where people don’t know how to talk to one another,” Guttenberg added. “When Joe and I discovered that we actually liked one another because we took the time to talk and get to know one another, we realized what we were doing had a bigger consequence.”
Young people talk about wanting to be the change, about wanting to lead. Start something like this that encourages differences of opinion, but also the exercising of a muscle that none of us use enough — our ears and learning to listen.”
Both men also stressed the importance of civic engagement. Guttenberg urged the audience to "show up and vote.”
Walsh also encouraged civic engagement beyond the ballot box and to engage in difficult conversations like the one between Guttenberg and him.
“It's not just voting, it's protesting. It's running for office. It's working on a campaign. It’s sinking your teeth into an issue,” Walsh continued. “This is still a struggle. When Fred and I talk privately about issues, there are times it's hard for us to remain civil ... I believe passionately in what I believe in ... It's a constant struggle, and you have to work at it.”
