Episode 939: Fred Ryan on Civility and Democracy
Newt's World
Gingrich 360
4.6 • 6.4K Ratings
🗓️ 25 January 2026
⏱️ 28 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Newt talks with Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute and director of the new Center on Civility and Democracy. They discuss the importance of President Reagan's legacy of principled civility in today's divided political climate. Ryan reflects on Reagan's ability to maintain firm views while finding common ground, emphasizing the importance of everyone leaving the room with dignity and achieving incremental progress. Their conversation highlights Reagan's personal traits and principles, shaped by his upbringing and experiences, which contributed to his effective communication and leadership style. They also discuss the current political climate, noting a decline in trust in institutions and the role of media and social media in exacerbating divisions. Ryan outlines the Center's initiatives, including the Civil Discourse Project for K-12 students, the Civility Handbook, and forums to find common ground among diverse groups. The Center’s goal is to promote civil discourse and find common ground to advance democracy through informed patriotism.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. |
| 0:08.5 | On this episode of NUTS World, in his latest op-ed, what Reagan taught me about civility, |
| 0:15.4 | Fred Ryan reflects on President Reagan's legacy of principled civility and why it matters more than ever |
| 0:23.7 | in today's divided political climate. Quote, Reagan taught us a crucial lesson that's in short supply |
| 0:32.3 | today. In a healthy democracy, everyone needs a way to leave the room with dignity. |
| 0:40.0 | The Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy's mission is to work with organizations |
| 0:45.7 | across America to promote civil discourse, help us to find common ground and advance our democracy |
| 0:52.8 | through informed patriotism. |
| 0:55.6 | I'm really pleased to welcome my guest, Fred Ryan. |
| 0:59.5 | He is the chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute |
| 1:03.2 | and is leading the launch of the new Center on Civility and Democracy. |
| 1:08.8 | From 2014 to 2003, he served |
| 1:12.7 | as publisher and CEO |
| 1:14.4 | of the Washington Post. |
| 1:16.5 | He also was co-founder and |
| 1:18.7 | CEO of Politico from |
| 1:20.5 | 2007 to 2014. |
| 1:23.0 | The Fred, welcome, and thank you for joining me on Newt's World. |
| 1:40.0 | Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's pleasure to be with you. |
| 1:42.8 | Well, and you've probably had quite a cry. I've known you a long time. |
| 1:45.7 | It's amazing how many things you've done during your career. |
| 1:49.4 | I keep trying. |
... |
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