• by Steven Rosenbaum , Featured Contributor, August 19, 2024

As the DNC convention launches in Chicago, viewers of political news may find a new way to follow the story. In a media landscape saturated with partisan bickering and polarizing opinions, Mark Halperin's 2Way offers a fresh approach to political discourse.

Launched on YouTube in 2020, 2Way aims to foster civil, balanced discussions on pressing political issues, inviting diverse voices to the table. But as with any venture, 2Way has its share of critics, and questions remain about whether it can truly transcend the entrenched partisanship of today’s media.

The Concept Behind 2Way

At its core, 2Way is built on the principles of civility, inclusivity, and dialogue. The name itself reflects the format: a two-way exchange where different viewpoints are not only presented but actively debated. Halperin designed the show to move away from the “one-way” nature of traditional media, where information is typically disseminated to a passive audience. Instead, 2Way encourages viewers to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share their perspectives directly with the guests.

2Way has had a wide variety of speakers, including some rather controversial ones such as Shaun Spicer, Newt Gingrich, Celinda Lake, Meghan McCain and Karl Rove, just to name a few.

Mark Halperin: A Storied Career and a Controversial Downfall

To understand 2Way, it’s important to understand the man behind it. Mark Halperin has long been a prominent figure in American political journalism. A Harvard graduate, Halperin quickly rose through the ranks at ABC News, eventually becoming the network’s political director. Halperin co-authored "Game Change," which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 U.S. presidential election. The book's success, along with its HBO adaptation, cemented Halperin’s status as a leading political commentator.

However, Halperin’s career took a dramatic downturn in 2017 when multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during his time at ABC News. The allegations, which emerged during the height of the #MeToo movement, led to his swift removal from prominent roles at NBC News, MSNBC, and other media outlets. Halperin issued a public apology, but the damage to his career was severe, and he became a controversial figure in the media industry.

Rebuilding Through 2Way

In the aftermath of these events, Halperin sought to rebuild his career, and 2Way represents a key part of that effort. The show is positioned as a platform for balanced and civil political discourse, a space where Americans can come together to discuss important issues in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Halperin’s goal with 2Way is not just to create another political show, but to redefine how political discussions are conducted in the media.

Each episode of 2Way typically features Halperin discussing a key political issue, followed by interviews or panel discussions with experts, journalists, or political operatives. The show covers a wide range of topics, including election analysis, policy debates, and the impact of current events on the political landscape.

The format of 2Way is designed to be accessible, with episodes often running around 30 minutes.

Is 2Way Journalism?

2Way combines elements of traditional journalism with a new form of interactive media, but it isn’t strictly journalism. While it features interviews, political analysis, and discussions on current events—key aspects of journalism—it diverges by prioritizing audience interaction and dialogue over conventional reporting. It’s more of a hybrid platform that blends journalistic content with a forum for public discourse, making it a unique but distinct entity from traditional journalistic outlets.

The Importance of Civility

One of the key elements that set 2Way apart from other political shows is its focus on civility.

Halperin believes that by fostering respectful discussions, 2Way can help bridge the deep divides in American society. "We're not going to take the politics out of politics... but what we're going to do is have a wholly different orientation towards how people communicate together... allowing you to do what everybody should be doing, which is looking to bring the country together to meet our challenges," he asserts.

Reception and Criticism

While 2Way has been praised for its innovative approach to political discourse, it has also faced significant criticism. Much of the criticism centers around Halperin himself and his attempt to reestablish a media presence after the serious allegations against him. Critics argue that his return to the public sphere is premature and question whether he has sufficiently addressed the harm caused by his past actions.

Outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Daily Beast have published pieces questioning the ethics of Halperin’s comeback. Emily Peck, a writer for HuffPost, criticized Halperin’s efforts, suggesting they reflect a broader issue of men accused of misconduct being able to resume their careers with minimal repercussions. Margaret Sullivan, media columnist for The Washington Post, expressed skepticism about whether Halperin’s new projects should be supported or endorsed by the public.

Advocates within the #MeToo movement argue that those who have been accused of serious misconduct need to show meaningful steps toward accountability and change before being welcomed back into the public eye. Jessica Valenti, a feminist writer and activist, has questioned why the media industry continues to offer second chances to men accused of serious misconduct without requiring substantial accountability.

Whether 2Way will lead to a broader rehabilitation of Halperin’s public image remains to be seen, but it is clear that he is determined to stay involved in the political conversation.

How to Tune into 2Way

Viewers interested in civil, balanced, and interactive discussions can tune into 2Way on YouTube, where episodes are streamed live and available on-demand: https://www.youtube.com/@2WayTVApp