© 2025 | Jefferson Public Radio
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6301 | 800.782.6191
Listen | Discover | Engage a service of Southern Oregon University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

America, Divided Into Four Big Pieces (Figuratively)

One of the arguments about the divided country in which we live is that it is really two countries, with very different beliefs and values.

George Packer, author of several books and staff writer at The Atlantic, argues that there are really four. They are: Free America, Smart America, Real America, and Just America.

Which one do you think you live in, or would like to?

Packer gives the traits of each of the Americas in his book "Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal." We pick the author's brain about his constructs, and whether he thinks it is still possible for them to occupy the same space.

Stay Connected
The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily news program focused on issues, people and events across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Natalie Golay is the program's senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Mike Green hosts the show.