How Political Division Threatens Our Democracy
Schedule
Sat Jan 31 2026 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
City Opera House | Traverse City, MI
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Dilys Tosteson Garcia and Lola Jackson “Community Building” Author Series Presents: How Political Division Threatens Our DemocracyWhy are we so divided?
Why do Americans living in the city and the country experience politics as a battle between “us” and “them”?
In "Rural Versus Urban: The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy," co-authors Suzanne Mettler and Trevor Brown write that America’s deep political division now pervades every state in our country.
The book gained national attention following a widely shared interview with The Ezra Klein Show, where Mettler discussed how decades of economic and political shifts hardened the rural–urban divide and what it means for the future of American democracy.
Suzanne Mettler is a senior professor at Cornell University. In addition to co-authoring Rural Versus Urban, she wrote six award-winning books about politics with a focus on democracy, civic engagement, inequality, social welfare, and aid for college students.
Trevor E. Brown (who will not be at the event) is a postdoctoral fellow in moral and political economy, focusing on American politics, public policy, and inequality. He earned his doctorate from Cornell University and will join the University of Oregon’s Department of Political Science as an assistant professor this coming fall.
Guest Host: To be announced
Event Details
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with live music, and the conversation begins at 2 p.m. This event includes a Q&A session and an author signing immediately following in the lobby.
Need help getting to the City Opera House? Directions can be found here.
Ticket Information
Additional City Opera House transaction fees are applied at checkout. Service fees may be waived if tickets are purchased over the phone or in-person at the City Opera House.
Tier One indicates premium seating options with the best views, available on the main floor closest to the stage along with premium sections of the balcony.
Tier Two indicates standard seating options, available on the main floor and most of the balcony.
Tier One: $27
Tier Two: $17
Admits one person to the live event. Tickets do not include a book. Books may be purchased via the “Purchase Book” button above.
Virtual Tickets
Can’t make it to City Opera House? Enjoy the event live or on-demand from home! Each Virtual Ticket includes access to a private YouTube link beginning at 1:50 p.m. Virtual attendees may participate in the Q&A via moderated chat. You must be logged into YouTube via a Google account to chat, or email questions to [email protected].
You may also purchase the featured book for an additional fee. Horizon Books will ship anywhere in the continental U.S., with shipping costs applied at checkout. Signed books are not available for virtual ticket holders.
Student/Educator Tickets: $12
With a valid school ID. Admits one person to the live event. Book not included.
Content Rating
Unless otherwise noted, NWS events are designed for adult audiences and may not be suitable for children.
Group Tickets
For discounted rates on groups of 20 or more, please contact: [email protected]
In-person and Livestreaming tickets available: nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/suzanne-mettler/
⭐️ Livestreaming underwritten by Nancy Davy
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Where is it happening?
City Opera House, 108 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684-2509, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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