NWS EVENT: How Political Division Threatens Our Democracy
Sat, Jan 31
|Civic Opera House AND Online
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.
Time & Location
Jan 31, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Civic Opera House AND Online, 106 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA
About the event
National Writers Series Event
Saturday January 31
2:00 PM
In Person & Online
Subject: Upcoming Event: How Political Division Threatens Our Democracy
At a time when political division feels deeply entrenched, we wanted to share an upcoming community conversation that speaks directly to the work and values we care about.
On Saturday, January 31, the National Writers Series will host Suzanne Mettler, senior professor at Cornell University and co-author of Rural Versus Urban: The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy, at the City Opera House (with a livestream option). The event will explore why political divisions between rural and urban America have intensified over the past several decades—and what that divide means for the future of our democracy.
Mettler’s research gained national attention following a widely shared interview on The Ezra Klein Show, where she discussed how economic shifts, trade policy, and political organizing reshaped party coalitions across the country. Her work offers important context for understanding where we are now—and what it may take to move forward.
GT Dems members are invited to attend, and a $5 discount is available using the code Divided when purchasing in-person tickets.
Event details:
Suzanne Mettler
Saturday, January 31, 2026
City Opera House + Livestream | Buy Tickets
Doors at 1:30 p.m. | Event begins at 2:00 p.m.
We hope you’ll consider joining this timely conversation and continuing to engage thoughtfully with the challenges facing our democracy.
In solidarity,
Kendall Kotcher
Marketing Manager | she/her