The presidential debate our democracy deserves [Video]

Editor’s Note: Terry Szuplat, who served as a White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama, is an adjunct professor of political speechwriting at American University and the author of the forthcoming book, “Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.” The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion articles at CNN.

In these polarized times, I’ve decided to do something that may sound crazy. I’m going to watch next week’s CNN debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump with several hundred Republicans, Democrats and independents. In one room. Together.

What could possibly go wrong?

As Americans, we’ve lost, it seems, the ability to talk with one another. From our social media feeds to family dinners to town hall meetings to college campuses, we lecture when we should listen. We drown out the voices of those with whom we disagree …