Station:
PBS (US)
Status:
Running
Start:
2024-09-20
Rating:
0/10 from 0 users
Breaking the Deadlock brings together people from across the political spectrum in a way that requires them to go beyond the usual talking points and speak to our core values as Americans," said moderator Aaron Tang. "By using hypothetical scenarios that rhyme with reality, we create space for honest introspection and conversation—and even some surprising breakthroughs."Each episode of Breaking the Deadlock dives into essential questions of community, accountability and personal responsibility, sparking legal, moral and ethical reflections. As each hypothetical scenario unfolds with unexpected twists, both panelists and viewers are challenged to confront the thought-provoking question: "What would I do?"
There is no Next Episode of Breaking the Deadlock planned.
S2025E1 - A Power Play
A politically diverse group of panelists was chosen to take part in the program, ensuring the topic would be explored from every possible perspective. The panel features Dr. Dave Brat, senior vice president of business relations at Liberty University and former U.S. representative from Virginia; Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor and managing partner at Christie 55 Solutions LLC; Hon. Allyson K. Duncan, retired U.S. circuit judge; Rep. Dan Goldman, U.S. representative from New York and former assistant U.S. attorney; Alberto R. Gonzales, former U.S. attorney general and dean of Belmont University College of Law; Sarah Isgur, senior editor at "The Dispatch" and co-host of the "Advisory Opinions" legal podcast; Scott Jennings, senior political contributor for CNN and partner at RunSwitch Public Relations; Tim Ryan, former US Representative and senior adviser for the Progressive Policy Institute's Campaign for Working Americans; Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy at The Heritage Foundation; Marc Short, former White House legislative affairs director under President Donald Trump; Lesley Stahl, correspondent for CBS's "60 Minutes;"and Jon Tester, former U.S. senator and farmer.
Air Date: 20 May 2025 20:00 (CDT)
S2025E2 - Truth Under Fire
The episode's hypothetical scenario is sparked by a controversial school board mandate in a fictional school district, which then explodes on social media, where disinformation is spread. As the issue goes viral, a panel of journalists, influencers, politicians and thought leaders must reckon with the question of what is true -- indeed, whether the truth matters?
Air Date: 21 Oct 2025 20:00 (CDT)
S2026E1 - A Matter of Life and Death
Moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with divergent views take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights and the right to die.
Air Date: 20 Jan 2026 20:00 (CDT)