Can Mark Halperin Foster Civil Political Conversations?
What is 2Way, and Why is it Different?
As the DNC convention launches in Chicago, viewers of political news may find a new way to follow the story. In a media landscape saturated with partisan bickering and polarizing opinions, Mark Halperin’s 2Way offers a fresh approach to political discourse. Launched on YouTube in 2020, 2Way aims to foster civil, balanced discussions on pressing political issues, inviting diverse voices to the table. Halperin, a veteran political journalist, leverages his experience to create a platform that not only informs but also actively engages its audience. But as with any venture, 2Way has its share of critics, and questions remain about whether it can truly transcend the entrenched partisanship of today’s media.
The Concept Behind 2Way
At its core, 2Way is built on the principles of civility, inclusivity, and dialogue. The name itself reflects the format: a two-way exchange where different viewpoints are not only presented but actively debated. Halperin designed the show to move away from the “one-way” nature of traditional media, where information is typically disseminated to a passive audience. Instead, 2Way encourages viewers to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share their perspectives directly with the guests.
In explaining the motivation behind 2Way, Halperin said, “What Two Way is going to do is take that one way — the old way, the current way, which is so bad for our country — and we’re going to bring voices together… We’re always going to bring in as many voices as we can, including your voices.” This approach is a direct response to what Halperin sees as a deeply flawed media ecosystem, one that is driven by economic incentives that prioritize conflict and division over meaningful dialogue.
2Way has had a wide variety of speakers, including some rather controversial ones including Dr. Jordan Peterson, Shaun Spicer, Newt Gingrich, Celinda Lake, Meghan McCain, Ken Mehlman, Karl Rove, and Tim Hogan just to name a few.
Mark Halperin: A Storied Career and a Controversial Downfall
To understand 2Way, it’s important to understand the man behind it. Mark Halperin has long been a prominent figure in American political journalism. A Harvard graduate, Halperin quickly rose through the ranks at ABC News, eventually becoming the network’s political director. His sharp insights and deep connections in Washington, D.C., made him a respected voice in political analysis. Halperin co-authored the bestselling book “Game Change,” which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 U.S. presidential election. The book’s success, along with its HBO adaptation, cemented Halperin’s status as a leading political commentator.
However, Halperin’s career took a dramatic downturn in 2017 when multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during his time at ABC News. The allegations, which emerged during the height of the #MeToo movement, led to his swift removal from prominent roles at NBC News, MSNBC, and other media outlets. Halperin issued a public apology, but the damage to his career was severe, and he became a controversial figure in the media industry.
Rebuilding Through 2Way
In the aftermath of these events, Halperin sought to rebuild his career, and 2Way represents a key part of that effort. The show is positioned as a platform for balanced and civil political discourse, a space where Americans can come together to discuss important issues in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Halperin’s goal with 2Way is not just to create another political show, but to redefine how political discussions are conducted in the media.
Each episode of 2Way typically features Halperin discussing a key political issue, followed by interviews or panel discussions with experts, journalists, or political operatives. The show covers a wide range of topics, including election analysis, policy debates, and the impact of current events on the political landscape. Halperin’s interviewing style, honed over years in the industry, is focused on drawing out insights from his guests while providing viewers with a clearer understanding of the issues discussed.
The format of 2Way is designed to be accessible, with episodes often running around 30 minutes. This makes it digestible for viewers who want in-depth analysis without committing to long-form content. More importantly, 2Way places a strong emphasis on audience participation, allowing viewers to engage directly with the content and the guests. “The other big difference between Two Way and what we have in most media now — you will be involved in the discussion… directly by voice, on video… you’ll also be able to comment, express your point of view, and make connections,” Halperin explains.
Is 2Way Journalism?
2Way combines elements of traditional journalism with a new form of interactive media, but it isn’t strictly journalism. While it features interviews, political analysis, and discussions on current events — key aspects of journalism — it diverges by prioritizing audience interaction and dialogue over conventional reporting. Unlike traditional journalism, which often focuses on objective reporting, investigation, and holding power to account, 2Way emphasizes civility, inclusivity, and balanced discussion. It’s more of a hybrid platform that blends journalistic content with a forum for public discourse, making it a unique but distinct entity from traditional journalistic outlets.
The Importance of Civility
One of the key elements that set 2Way apart from other political shows is its focus on civility. Halperin is clear that the ethos of 2Way is centered on civil discourse, stating, “This isn’t about people coming on and giving speeches; it’s a culture of communication… We need to have as much listening as we do speaking… The idea is the same: the same tone, the same assemblage of folks, always your participation, always a two-way conversation.”
This focus on civility is not just a tagline but a core principle of the show. Halperin believes that by fostering respectful discussions, 2Way can help bridge the deep divides in American society. “We’re not going to take the politics out of politics… but what we’re going to do is have a wholly different orientation towards how people communicate together… allowing you to do what everybody should be doing, which is looking to bring the country together to meet our challenges,” he asserts.
Reception and Criticism
While 2Way has been praised for its innovative approach to political discourse, it has also faced significant criticism. Much of the criticism centers around Halperin himself and his attempt to reestablish a media presence after the serious allegations against him. Critics argue that his return to the public sphere is premature and question whether he has sufficiently addressed the harm caused by his past actions.
Journalists and media commentators have been some of the most vocal critics. Outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Daily Beast have published pieces questioning the ethics of Halperin’s comeback. Emily Peck, a writer for HuffPost, criticized Halperin’s efforts, suggesting they reflect a broader issue of men accused of misconduct being able to resume their careers with minimal repercussions. Margaret Sullivan, media columnist for The Washington Post, expressed skepticism about whether Halperin’s new projects should be supported or endorsed by the public.
Advocates within the #MeToo movement, such as Tarana Burke, have also voiced concerns. They argue that those who have been accused of serious misconduct need to show meaningful steps toward accountability and change before being welcomed back into the public eye. Jessica Valenti, a feminist writer and activist, has questioned why the media industry continues to offer second chances to men accused of serious misconduct without requiring substantial accountability.
The Path Forward
Despite the criticism, Halperin is determined to make 2Way a platform that contributes positively to political discourse. He recognizes the challenges ahead, particularly in gaining the trust of viewers who may be skeptical of his motives or the show’s ability to achieve its ambitious goals. However, Halperin remains committed to the vision of 2Way as a space for inclusive, civil, and meaningful conversations.
2Way represents Halperin’s attempt to redefine his career and contribute to political journalism in a way that reflects the lessons learned from his past. While the show may not reach the heights of his earlier career, it serves as a platform where Halperin can continue to engage with politics and offer his insights to an audience willing to listen.
Whether 2Way will lead to a broader rehabilitation of Halperin’s public image remains to be seen, but it is clear that he is determined to stay involved in the political conversation. By prioritizing civility, inclusivity, and balanced dialogue, 2Way seeks to offer a new way for Americans to engage with each other and with the political process, challenging the current media model by fostering meaningful conversations in an increasingly divided world.
How to Tune into 2Way
As the DNC convention unfolds in Chicago, 2Way offers a fresh perspective on the political landscape. Viewers interested in civil, balanced, and interactive discussions can tune into 2Way on YouTube, where episodes are streamed live and available on-demand. Join the conversation, ask questions, and engage with a diverse range of voices by subscribing to 2Way and participating in the discussions that matter most to you.
