The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca Initiative in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware welcomes Joe Walsh and Fred Guttenberg to campus for the launch of their “Two Dads Defending Democracy” speaking tour.

Introduction by Valerie Biden Owens, Biden Institute Chair

Moderated by Timothy J. Shaffer, PhD, SNF Ithaca Director and Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse

Walsh, a former US Representative from Illinois, and Guttenberg, a businessman-turned-activist following his daughter’s murder in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, went from arguing with each other on social media and television to engaging in meaningful dialogue. The “Two Dads” forged a friendship through patience and civil discourse, demonstrating how people from opposite ends of the political spectrum can find common ground on contentious issues such as gun safety.

Through respect and understanding, Walsh and Guttenberg successfully model how to engage in dialogue with a willingness to listen and learn to find common ground. As the 2024 election approaches, their story shows a way forward for civil discourse to make the democratic principle of disagreement possible.