Sharon McMahon: Democracy Starts at Home

Can the Next Generation Do Politics Better Than We Have?

Being angry on the internet isn't activism. So what actually makes a difference? Sharon McMahon, "America's government teacher" and author of The Small and the Mighty and host of the Preamble podcast, joins Curtis Chang to explore how we can help the next generation do politics better and build a healthier democracy in the process. They discuss raising engaged citizens, choosing character over party loyalty, and loving our neighbors—even when they're our enemies. With the midterms approaching, Sharon offers a practical path from political frustration to local civic engagement, reminding us that hope begins with believing our actions matter.

00:54 - Welcome and Why Civic Formation Matters

05:53 - Norm Mineta and Modeling Public Service

09:27 - Teaching Young People to Vote Thoughtfully

14:21 - Can Civic Engagement Form Character?

18:04 - Choosing a Community Focus

23:55 - Loving Enemies Without Accepting Harm

34:04 - Helping College Students Speak Up

38:30 - Civic Education During a Constitutional Crisis

41:26 - Is Hope an Active Choice?

43:55 - Helping One Person at a Time