Breaking the Deadlock

Join Aaron Tang of UC Davis School of Law as he guides a panel of thought leaders through complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios. The special encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

A politically diverse group of panelists was chosen to take part in the program, ensuring the topic would be explored from every possible perspective. The panel features Dr. Dave Brat, senior vice president of business relations at Liberty University and former U.S. representative from Virginia; Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor and managing partner at Christie 55 Solutions LLC; Hon. Allyson K. Duncan, retired U.S. circuit judge; Rep. Dan Goldman, U.S. representative from New York and former assistant U.S. attorney; Alberto R. Gonzales, former U.S. attorney general and dean of Belmont University College of Law; Sarah Isgur, senior editor at "The Dispatch" and co-host of the "Advisory Opinions" legal podcast; Scott Jennings, senior political contributor for CNN and partner at RunSwitch Public Relations; Tim Ryan, former US Representative and senior adviser for the Progressive Policy Institute's Campaign for Working Americans; Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy at The Heritage Foundation; Marc Short, former White House legislative affairs director under President Donald Trump; Lesley Stahl, correspondent for CBS's "60 Minutes;"and Jon Tester, former U.S. senator and farmer. 

The episode's hypothetical scenario is sparked by a controversial school board mandate in a fictional school district, which then explodes on social media, where disinformation is spread. As the issue goes viral, a panel of journalists, influencers, politicians and thought leaders must reckon with the question of what is true -- indeed, whether the truth matters? 

Moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with divergent views take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights and the right to die.