Podcast Summary

Newt’s World, Episode 939: Fred Ryan on Civility and Democracy

Host: Newt Gingrich (Gingrich 360)
Guest: Fred Ryan (Chairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute)
Release Date: January 25, 2026

Overview of the Episode

This episode explores the legacy of principled civility in American democracy, drawing mainly from President Ronald Reagan’s example. Newt Gingrich and Fred Ryan discuss the pressing need to revive civil discourse, find common ground across political divides, and promote informed patriotism as foundational elements for a healthy democracy—especially as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Fred Ryan, who’s launching the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy, shares lessons from public life and outlines actionable plans for renewing civility in American culture and politics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lessons of Civility from Ronald Reagan

• Principled Compromise: Reagan was firmly conservative yet deeply committed to finding common ground and ensuring all participants in government could “leave the room with dignity.”
  • “He would say, you gotta remember something, they were elected by Americans too—not just the Republicans.” (Fred Ryan, 04:48)
• Emphasis on Personal Relationships: Reagan maintained personal friendships across party lines (notably with Speaker Tip O’Neill), facilitating legislative progress.
  • “They could find a way to have a personal relationship, even though they were at odds ideologically on so many things.” (Fred Ryan, 06:31)
• Incremental Progress over Zero-Sum Thinking:
  • “If you could get 80% of what you want in this deal, take it and try to get the rest next time.” (Fred Ryan quoting Reagan, 05:18)
  • Contrast to modern politics: “It’s become more of a zero sum game. It’s not enough for you to win. Your opponent has to have a humiliating loss.” (Fred Ryan, 05:56)

2. The Roots of Reagan’s Civility

• Nature versus Practice: Reagan’s approach owed much to his Midwest upbringing and values but was also shaped by his leadership experiences (union leader, governor, president).
• Communication Skills: Reagan’s communication was notably personal and relatable; he honed these skills at GE talking with workers across America and through storytelling.
  • “He would just start talking in the announcer's booth as though he was having a conversation with those guys in the barbershop.” (Fred Ryan, 10:38)
• Storytelling as Leadership: Both Gingrich and Ryan note Reagan, Lincoln, and FDR all used storytelling to connect and disarm—sometimes artfully evading tough questions in the process.
  • “He would tell a little story and by the end of it they would just kind of look and say, well, that’s just great, Mr. President, so nice to see you and keep up the great work.” (Fred Ryan, 13:42)

3. The Deterioration of Civil Discourse

• Loss of Interaction: Compared to post-Watergate or even the bitterness of late-20th-century politics, today’s environment lacks informal cross-party engagement.
• Why Did We Get Here? (Fred Ryan’s Five Factors, 20:47):
  • Institutional Distrust: Waning faith in government, media, and other traditional institutions.
  • Media Incentives: Business models that thrive on conflict and outrage, “exploiting differences.”
  • Social Media: Anonymity and algorithms foster echo chambers and intensify polarization.
  • Rise of Performative Politics: Ascendancy no longer tied to expertise but to visibility and viral outrage.
  • Civic Ignorance: Alarming gaps in civic knowledge—e.g., most Americans cannot name the three branches of government.

4. Hopeful Opportunities: The Nation’s 250th Anniversary

• Gingrich asserts the 250th anniversary is a chance to reintroduce Americans to the ideals of civility and collective purpose.
  • “...the Founding Fathers understood that they had to have some ability to communicate collectively... and to find a common ground around which to build a country.” (Newt Gingrich, 24:19)
• Ryan sees the occasion as a chance to spark a renewed patriotism and appreciation for democratic engagement.
  • “We were hoping it’ll be a time where Americans fall in love with their country again and hopefully learn more about it, become better informed in terms of what democracy requires.” (Fred Ryan, 25:08)

5. The Reagan Center’s Plans for Civility and Democracy

• Three Pillars:
  1. Promote Civil Discourse:
     • Civil Discourse Project for K-12 education (pilot successful with Department of Defense schools; now expanding nationwide).
     • Civility Handbook: Pocket guide for civil engagement (Spring release).
  2. Find Common Ground:
     • Common Ground Forums: Bringing together adversaries (political, sports) to discuss respectful competition.
     • Example: Army-Navy Game participants, bipartisan leader forums.
  3. Foster Informed Patriotism:
     • Public events with historians (e.g., Ken Burns), legal scholars.
     • National Civility Summit: Bringing student leaders to Washington for training in civil leadership.
  • “Hopefully when they become the next generation of leaders, they’ll be able to bring that to the fore.” (Fred Ryan, 28:27)

6. Barriers and Solutions for Civil Politics

• Gingrich stresses the need for modern, interactive engagement tools—video, audio, local group platforms—for widespread adoption.
• Ryan cautions against the misconception that compromise equals capitulation.
  • Notable anecdote: Republican Governor castigated online for shaking hands with President Obama—shows the toxic nature of current tribalism. (Fred Ryan, 30:37)
  • “If you can’t even shake hands with somebody, it’s going to be difficult to find ways to advance an agenda that benefits all Americans.” (Fred Ryan, 31:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Reagan’s Approach to Negotiation:
  • “If you could get 80% of what you want in this deal, take it and try to get the rest next time.” (Fred Ryan, 05:18)
• On Personal Encounters with the Public:
  • “Before I could even say it, he just said, aren’t people great?” (Fred Ryan recalling Reagan, 18:25)
• On the Consequence of Modern Politics:
  • “Now, since we’ve moved into these camps, it’s almost like you’re trading with the enemy if you try to get a deal done.” (Fred Ryan, 30:42)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:35] – Newt introduces Fred Ryan, outlines Reagan’s legacy of civility.
• [04:48] – Ryan on Reagan’s beliefs: firmness with room for dignity and compromise.
• [09:30] – Ryan discusses Reagan’s communication strategies developed at GE.
• [13:42] – How Reagan's storytelling diffused tense meetings.
• [19:28] – Gingrich on the shift from personal relationships to today’s division.
• [20:47] – Ryan details the five factors causing the erosion of civil debate.
• [26:19] – Ryan explains the Reagan Center’s three focus areas and new initiatives.
• [29:33] – Gingrich and Ryan discuss the importance of interactive engagement and leadership by example.
• [31:10] – Ryan on today’s social stigma around bipartisan cooperation.

Tone and Language

The tone is conversational, respectful, and occasionally nostalgic, with a shared belief in the possibility of civic renewal. Both speakers ground their arguments in historical context, personal anecdotes, and a commitment to principled, respectful engagement.

For Listeners: Action Points & Further Info

• Learn more about the Reagan Foundation’s Center on Civility and Democracy: reaganfoundation.org
• Watch for upcoming initiatives: Civility Handbook, Common Ground Forums, National Civility Summit.

Closing Thought

As Newt Gingrich sums up:
“Somehow we have to get back to the notion that we’re all Americans. And therefore we start with a common ground.” (31:30)

This episode calls listeners to renew the practice of civility—not as nostalgia, but as a vital strategy for the health and future of democracy.