Political Rewind: In conversation with former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, author of 'American Reboot'

Caption

Former U.S. Rep. and author Will Hurd joins the show to discuss his new book, "American Reboot."

Credit: Will Hurd

The panel:

Andra Gillespie, @AndraGillespie, associate professor, Emory Political Science
Jim Galloway, @jimjournalist, former columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Will Hurd, @WillHurd, former U.S. Representative, author, American Reboot

The breakdown:

According to a New York Times poll, just 13% of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction, a pessimism shared by every demographic. In his book American Reboot, former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd proposes a new path forward. He earnestly calls for bipartisanship, inclusivity, and diversity in both parties.

During his time in the CIA, he worked as a representative to the House Intelligence Committee, where he became interested in running for Congress. Raised in Marshall, Texas, he ran in circles with the likes of Bob Gates, Rick Perry, and George W. Bush before they reached federal office. 

In a political party led by former President Trump and his allies, Hurd wants to offer an alternative direction, one that denounces racism, homophobia, and harmful rhetoric in favor of practical, community-based solutions.

Hurd also says Republicans must reckon with past harms done to Black communities and how they've impacted communities today.

Monday on Political Rewind: The AJC's Patricia Murphy joins our panel.