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Sanford’s POLIS: Center for Politics kicked off its multipart Bridging the Divide series on Monday with the first event: a fireside chat with Provost Alec Gallimore and former Republican U.S. Senator Richard Burr.
The inaugural event featured Burr, who, as part of this new program, is joining Duke University as a Polis Distinguished Fellow. The 28-year member of Congress will play an active role in the Bridging the Divide series throughout the 2024/2025 academic year, helping to foster dialogue between groups with differing ideological and political views.
During the conversation, moderated by Gallimore, Burr offered reflections on his nearly three decades of public service, the importance of bipartisanship, and the urgent need for future leaders to rise above political divides.
The Value of Listening and Building Trust
After a brief introduction that included his upbringing as a “preacher’s kid” and a mention of his collegiate football career (at longtime Duke opponent Wake Forest University), Burr opened the discussion by emphasizing that bipartisanship is not just a strategy for survival in Washington—it’s a prerequisite for governing effectively.
Early in his career, he learned from his late colleague John Dingell (59-year Democrat representative from Michigan) the importance of listening before acting. That advice helped him forge unlikely partnerships throughout his time in Congress.
“Knowledge is absolute king in Washington... If you want to get things done, you’ve got to find a partner on the other side of the aisle.”
Burr shared a story about working with the late Senator Ted Kennedy, another Democrat, on significant reforms to the Food and Drug Administration. Though they often disagreed politically, their partnership was built on mutual respect and the goal of helping the American people.
“We disagreed on almost everything, but when we worked together, it was about trust and understanding that we shared a goal—getting things done for the American people.”
Burr emphasized that his tenure in Congress is a testament to the importance of collaboration and building trust, qualities he hopes to instill in Duke students through his role as a Polis Distinguished Fellow.
Polarization and the Loss of Civility
One of the key topics discussed during the event was the growing political polarization in the United States. Burr, who witnessed these changes firsthand over his career, warned that the increasing divide threatens the very fabric of governance.
“The biggest change in the last 12 years is the loss of camaraderie among members of Congress. Once you pick a side, you never have to talk to the other side, and that’s a problem.”
Burr noted that while polarization is not a new phenomenon, it has worsened with the rise of sensationalism in the media and the pervasive influence of social media. He was critical of the role modern media plays in fueling divisiveness.
“None of them are really news organizations anymore—they’re entertainment. They use hot-button issues to grab you, but you have to question everything you hear.”
As Burr explained, this fractured media landscape has made it increasingly difficult for politicians to communicate effectively with the public, further straining the relationship between government and the people.
Leadership in Public Service
Burr’s journey in public service, particularly his leadership on bipartisan initiatives like the ABLE Act, provided valuable insights for students. He emphasized that leadership in public service is about building trust and understanding the human impact of policies.
“If you take the time to understand the real people behind the policy, the legislation writes itself. That’s what it’s about—making sure the people you represent can live better lives.”
Burr encouraged the audience (particularly students) to see leadership not just as holding office but as a commitment to building trust and making decisions that benefit the broader community. Burr plans to engage Duke students in discussions about leadership and how to navigate complex political environments to achieve meaningful change.
Rebuilding Communities and Social Responsibility
Burr reflected on the importance of community, drawing from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final sermon, “Don’t Sleep Through the Revolution” In agreement with that address, Burr emphasized that authentic leadership involves caring for the well-being of others, especially those in one’s neighborhood.
“If we’re not as concerned with our neighbor’s children as we are with our own, we’ll wake up in a community we don’t recognize.”
Burr urged students to start small by reaching out to those around them and helping where they can. He noted that the erosion of community ties is one of the most significant challenges facing American society today but can be reversed through acts of kindness and service.
“We live in communities where we don’t know our neighbors... Start by making sure you know the person next to you, and make yourself available to help.”
A Call to Future Leaders
As the discussion wrapped up, Burr left the audience with a clear message: the future of the country depends on the next generation’s ability to lead with empathy, trust, and a commitment to the greater good. He reminded students that leadership requires sacrifice and focusing on long-term outcomes rather than short-term personal gains.
“This can’t be about you. It has to be about what’s best for the country.”
In his new role as a POLIS Distinguished Fellow, Burr will continue to engage with students throughout the Bridging the Divide series, helping them navigate the complexities of public service and leadership in a polarized world. His final piece of advice was simple but powerful:
“Leadership is about trust, and it’s about showing people where the destination is and how we’ll get there together.”
Bridging the Divide
With the Bridging the Divide initiative, POLIS will continue to host senior policymakers who have spearheaded bipartisan efforts. This series will run throughout the 2024/2025 academic year, highlighting the work done to bring opposing sides together to address the country’s most pressing issues.
As the series progresses, the hope is that these candid conversations will help bridge ideological divides and encourage future public policy leaders to engage in constructive dialogue essential for the country’s future. More information about upcoming Bridging the Divide events will be released soon.