Civil conversations in a time of polarization? It can be done. Join us for a special conversation with two dads on opposite ends of the political spectrum and they share their model for how to keep cool heads when you don’t agree.
Joe Walsh, a former U.S. Representative from Illinois, and Fred Guttenberg, a businessman-turned-activist following his daughter’s murder in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, went from arguing with each other on social media and television to engaging in meaningful dialogue.
The “Two Dads” forged a friendship through patience and civil discourse, demonstrating how people from opposite ends of the political spectrum can find common ground on contentious issues such as gun safety.
Through respect and understanding, Walsh and Guttenberg model how to engage in dialogue with a willingness to listen and learn to find common ground.
As the 2024 election approaches, their story shows a way forward for civil discourse to make the democratic principle of disagreement possible.
For tickets to the GCM Conversation, visit: bit.ly/GCMTwoDads
Fred Guttenberg
Fred Guttenberg began his public life after the murder of his beautiful 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, in the Parkland school shooting Feb. 14, 2018.
The day after the murder, Guttenberg decided to attend a public vigil in Parkland. While there, the mayor asked him to speak. His words shook a nation and he has not stopped since.
Guttenberg has traveled the country talking about perspective, perseverance and resilience. He discusses pivotal moments in life and how we respond to those moments. Guttenberg uses his speech to inspire others.
Guttenberg’s professional life included more than a decade of experience in sales and management with Johnson and Johnson, followed by almost 15 years as an entrepreneur, having built a business that consisted of 19 Dunkin’ Donuts, which he sold in November 2016.
Guttenberg and his wife Jennifer now spend time challenging elected officials to do more. They began a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to Jaime’s life called Orange Ribbons for Jaime, and Guttenberg created a 501(c)(4) called Orange Ribbons For Gun Safety.
He has been a regular on TV news programs and myriad online and print media. Through the formation of the non-profit, this is now his full-time mission.
Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh is a former Illinois Congressman elected to Congress in the TEA Party wave of 2010. Following his service in Congress, Walsh became one of the most popular conservative talk radio hosts in the country, syndicated in major markets throughout the U.S.
In August of 2019, Walsh became a candidate for president of the United States, waging a Republican primary challenge against Donald Trump.
Walsh is the author of F*CK SILENCE: Calling Trump Out for the Cultish, Moronic, Authoritarian Con Man He Is, released in February 2020.
Walsh was the host of the “F*CK SiLENCE” podcast and was on GAB Radio Network every Monday through Friday. He is the host of a brand new podcast called White Flag With Joe Walsh, in which Joe has weekly conversations with other well-known people to model how to have respectful conversations with those you disagree with.
Walsh is also seen regularly on CNN and MSNBC for his political commentary.
For tickets to the GCM Conversation, visit: bit.ly/GCMTwoDads
Special thanks to our sponsors:
League of Women Voters
Senate President Don Harmon
Dominican University