Student Voices: Bridging the Divide with Provost Gallimore & Richard Burr

By Sophia Yost (PPS'27)

On September 9th, Provost Alec Gallimore joined former United States Senator Richard Burr in a conversation titled “Bridging the Divide: A Fireside Chat.” It was the first Bridging the Divide series event hosted by Sanford’s POLIS: Center for Politics and was supported by the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Office of the Provost.  

Image

Former Senator Burr joined the Sanford School of Public Policy this summer as a POLIS Distinguished Fellow. This appointment comes as no surprise. Burr has had an incredibly successful career. He represented North Carolina in Congress for 28 years, with his first 10 years in the House of Representatives and a tenure as a U.S. senator from 2005 to 2023. Throughout the chat, Burr shared insights on navigating political polarization within our communities. He was particularly passionate about empowering future generations to be thoughtful leaders. 

A key takeaway from the conversation between Provost Gallimore and Former Senator Burr was the danger that social media poses to our democracy. Burr argued that “social media has really tainted the entire process of how we engage our family and our friends.” Social media has isolated us from our friends and family in an extremely harmful way, making it almost impossible to have meaningful conversations. This point resonated with me because I have seen firsthand how political polarization has divided my family. My parents have even blocked members of our extended family on Facebook because they post harmful and offensive things. I don’t completely blame my extended family for their actions, though, as I know that they are victims of the harmful rhetoric they share. Misinformation plays a significant role in this dynamic. It leads people to latch onto false narratives and share them, creating even more problems and deepening divisions among us. 

In light of these challenges, I found Burr’s insights particularly compelling and relevant to my aspirations as a Public Policy major interested in leadership development.  When asked what advice he would give current students wanting to work in public office, he said: “Remember what your mother taught you. You have a right to your opinion, but you do not have the right to be rude.” He was honest in his remarks, adding that you must ultimately be likable for people to want to collaborate with you. This advice resonated with me because it is so true yet so frequently forgotten. One’s job as a policymaker is to create legislation that best reflects the values and needs of the community you serve. Unfortunately, many politicians often prioritize gaining attention through soundbites or viral social media posts over meaningful dialogue and genuine legislative work, which detracts from the core mission of effective governance.

Burr highlighted an interesting trend regarding the media and Congress: the most viral speeches on the floor often occur at night when there is no legislative business. Lawmakers turn on the charm, or the crazy, to capture the attention of viewers tuning in for the nightly prime-time news. Regardless of what media source you consume, you have probably seen a clip of someone in Congress saying something outrageous about the other party. This spectacle can overshadow the importance of civility and collaboration, which Burr emphasized are essential for effective leadership. If policymakers focused more on constructive dialogue across the aisle rather than just sensationalism, they might better serve their constituents and foster a healthier political environment. In the end, it’s not just about being heard; it’s about being respected and working together to create real change for the American people.  

Politics run deeper than media hits. Politicians represent real people with real problems. I admire Burr for his thoughtful approach to the political process. When he first started in Washington, he quickly realized that the most important aspect of his job was to actively listen and engage with issues on the ground. To effectively serve in Congress, one must “be willing to touch avenues of education that are available to you.” 

Burr went on to recount a pivotal moment when he and his colleagues were faced with a decision as to whether they were going to cut reimbursements for thoracic surgeons. Understanding the implications of that decision, he chose to observe three surgeries at Wake Forest, knowing that such cuts would likely lead to less staff in the operating room. He reflected, “Who am I willing to not have in the room if I were the one lying on the table?” After witnessing the critical roles played by the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiologist, he returned to Washington with a newfound perspective. Burr told his colleagues that the legislation they were going to pass was unrealistic and dangerous. Ultimately, Burr’s leadership and dedication to the health of his constituents allowed him to advocate for policies that prioritize patient safety and well-being. 

I value Burr’s commitment to empathetic decision-making. Politics isn’t just about the policies we craft; it’s about the lives we impact. It’s about recognizing the stories behind the statistics and understanding the real challenges that individuals and communities face. Many students at Sanford, myself included, want to be public servants in the future. I think that we can all learn a lot from Burr’s approach. By prioritizing active listening and seeking out firsthand experiences in our communities, we could ensure that our legislation is rooted in real-life impacts that truly serve the needs of our constituents.

Sophie Yost is a third-year undergraduate from Lancaster, Pennsylvania studying Public Policy and History. She is a proud theater kid and history nerd who is fascinated by the intersection of social justice, artistic expression, and preservation. She hopes to combine these interests to work toward a more understanding and equitable future, specifically by uplifting the voices of other women around the world. She is currently a Poderosas Fellow with PoderLatix, a national non-profit organization committed to uplifting the Latino community to defend and advance justice and democracy one vote at a time. At Duke, Sophie is a member of Duke’s Body Empowerment Club, performs in the All of the Above monologue showcase, works with POLIS as a student assistant, and is Co-president of the 300 Swift Quad Council. On the weekends, Sophie likes to visit the chickens in the Duke gardens, cook with friends, and explore local museums.