Hi, Laura here. For the past several months, I've been thinking about politics and love. I wondered,

if romantic relationships are built on shared values, does that mean two people need to be aligned

politically to have a deep connection and strong bond?

My parents weren't always in sync in the voting booth.

And remember James Carville and Mary Madeline?

Their opposing views were the plot point of a true life love story.

They met in the 90s when Mary was working to get the first President Bush reelected.

James was a top advisor to rival Bill Clinton.

Mary and James wound up tying the knot and are still together, two kids and 30 years later.

But these are more polarized times.

As making and maintaining a love connection across the aisle even possible?

I talked with older Americans navigating red-blue romance, some more successfully than others.

Plus, I sought out expert advice on bridging political differences in kinder and gentler ways.

With those interviews, dating while gray teamed with American public media for a one-hour radio broadcast special called Love Across a Divide.

It aired on public radio stations across the country in the weeks leading up to the presidential election.

Today we're bringing you part one of this special.

I hope it inspires and encourages all of us to turn toward each other and embrace tolerance,

no matter which side of the aisle, if any,

we may find ourselves aligned with. Let's show our leaders how to do it. Thanks for listening.

Politics. It's one of those topics one should never discuss in public. At least that's what I was taught. Maybe you were too.

But that was a time before social media. It's now so easy and tempting to share our opinions, even if that means arguing and name-calling, supposed loved ones and strangers alike.

The No Politics Policy was also a time before the advent of online dating.

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