Carolina Calvo 

Humanities 103

Dr. Marija Jankovic 

November 21 2025

Second Campus Commentary: Public Good in Divisive Times

Two US Senators, Amy Klobuchar (Democrat) and Thom Tillis (Republican) came to Davidson College to show the importance of bipartisanship and working together across party lines in order to move our country forward. 

The beginning of the panel conversation began with the message “Ensuring public good in divisive times”. This message was the overall theme of the event, because it showcased how it is imperative that the center of politics and government is for the public good, instead of constant turmoil between the two parties. Especially now in an extremely divisive time, it was important to see how two politicians can come together and get work done without drama. 

The panel discussion was led by President Doug Hicks and there was full attendance in the auditorium, mainly packed with students but many other people in the audience as well that were not students. There was excitement in the air to have two important senators in the room, and also a tone of seriousness and respectfulness.  

President Hicks began by asking them what led them into being senators. Amy Klobuchar began her journey after a struggle after her daughter was born. She said, “I realized I could get things done”, speaking as a citizen who can accomplish things. She emphasized that we all have civic duty, which is the ability and responsibility to make things better in our society through civic action. Klobuchar’s political journey began with a focus on healthcare coverage and Medicaid due to her personal experience. Thom Tillis started his journey in politics when he began involving himself in community projects. He emphasized that there are “many paths to public service” and that one should “trust everybody until they give you a reason not to”. Hearing that both of the senators got involved with politics because of personal reasons and wanting to better their communities showed that they do their work because they are committed to the people. 

There were some quotes that stood out during the conversation that helped me realize who they were as people and politicians. Some words from Tillis were “Be direct about what you can and can’t do. Find opportunities to work together. Treat people fairly, honestly, and respectfully.” Klobuchar emphasized, “I look at where I can find common ground. Courage is whether you are willing to stand next to someone you don’t always agree with for the betterment of this country.” Tillis reinforced this idea with a gesture of his hands, as if that is what they were doing in the moment by being together in front of the Davidson community to show that they were united in the same goals. Both Klobuchar and Tillis reinforced the importance of bringing civil debate back to politics. “There’s nothing more liberating in life than fighting for a cause that’s bigger than yourself,” said Klobuchar. 

I think that the conversation was successful in showing that two people from across the political aisle can have civil discourse and talk about topics that are important to people. In the politically divisive time that we are in, this panel conversation seemed successful in the way that it brought hope to students and residents of the Davidson community. 

Although it was nice seeing them converse in a friendly way, I felt that it was not very successful because they avoided talking about the government shutdown, which was something that was on the minds of many. Both Klobuchar and Tillis brought up repeatedly that many of the senators were friends even if it didn’t seem that way on the media, but then that made me question as to why, if they are “friends”, the couldn’t seem to get the government back up and running while millions of people suffered from lack of food stamps and other services. Overall, it was a great opportunity to hear them talk about how to come together and get work done, but it did seem like the most pressing issue that was looming was the government shutdown, but it seemed like that was avoided.