Accessibility links
A Nation Engaged: Sparking Conversations That Matter NPR and some member stations are talking about key issues on the campaign trail and in communities around the country. Those issues include economic opportunity, voting and America's standing in the world.

A Nation Engaged: Sparking Conversations That MatterA Nation Engaged: Sparking Conversations That Matter

Sparking conversations that matter

Immigrant Turned Successful Businessman Invests In The Middle

Sunil Puri arrived from Mumbai in 1979 with $150 and a high school diploma to his name. He worked his way through college and now he is a real estate developer who contributes heavily to charities and political campaigns.

Immigrant Turned Successful Businessman Invests In The Middle

Listen · 3:17
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497715235/497715236" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Black Officer Navigates '2 Incompatible Worlds' On N.H. Police Force

New Hampshire Public Radio

On her way to work, police sergeant Lakeisha Phelps is routinely racially profiled by other officers. In Nashua, New Hampshire, Phelps is one of two black officers on a force of more than 170.

Black Officer Navigates '2 Incompatible Worlds' On N.H. Police Force

Listen · 3:11
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497637765/497637766" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Farmer Wants Candidates To Address Rural Issues

KUNC

Becky Ravenkamp is a farmer who's taken on many roles to keep her Colorado farm town afloat. She thinks candidates this election year have largely overlooked rural America.

Farmer Wants Candidates To Address Rural Issues

Listen · 3:21
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/498091454/498091455" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Long Island Woman Feels A Trump Presidency Will Rescue America From Its Elites

Patty Dwyer voted for President Obama eight years ago. This year the 60-year-old respiratory therapist is all in for Donald Trump. She says Trump will unify a nation that has divided into factions.

Long Island Woman Feels A Trump Presidency Will Rescue America From Its Elites

Listen · 3:15
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/498056601/498056602" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
'Vietgone': A Sex Comedy About Mom, Dad And Refugee Camps

Qui Nguyen wrote Vietgone to tell the story of his parents' meeting at a Vietnamese refugee camp in Arkansas in 1975. Jesse Dittmar/Courtesy of Qui Nguyen hide caption

toggle caption
Jesse Dittmar/Courtesy of Qui Nguyen

Code Switch

'Vietgone': A Sex Comedy About Mom, Dad And Refugee Camps

Playwright Qui Nguyen's latest work tells the story of how his parents met in an Arkansas refugee camp in 1975.

'Vietgone': A Sex Comedy About Mom, Dad And Refugee Camps

Listen · 2:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497911789/497911790" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
For This Christian N.C. Man, Candidates' 'Morality Issues' Give Pause

Dan Meyer stands in front of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, N.C., this past Sunday. Courtesy of Dan Meyer hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy of Dan Meyer

For This Christian N.C. Man, Candidates' 'Morality Issues' Give Pause

Dan Meyer has a strong faith and believes the country must return to biblical principles. For him, the 2016 election presents "a tough, tough choice."

For This Christian N.C. Man, Candidates' 'Morality Issues' Give Pause

Listen · 3:25
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497531552/497850331" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

'Carl From Nashville' Dials In His Complaints To A Political Talk Show

WPLN News

As part of our "Nation Engaged" project, we're asking what does it mean to be an American? For one answer, we meet a prolific political talk show caller known widely as "Carl from Nashville."

'Carl From Nashville' Dials In His Complaints To A Political Talk Show

Listen · 3:21
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497775009/497775010" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Voters Are Not As Diverse As People Who Live In America, Data Show

This week we're exploring the question: What does it mean to be an American? The country is at a demographic inflection point this election year. The country is changing — it's getting browner.

Voters Are Not As Diverse As People Who Live In America, Data Show

Listen · 4:47
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/497774960/497774961" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
As Our Jobs Are Automated, Some Say We'll Need A Guaranteed Basic Income

Customers use interactive kiosks to place orders at Eatsa, a fully automated fast food restaurant in San Francisco. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

As Our Jobs Are Automated, Some Say We'll Need A Guaranteed Basic Income

KQED

How will the economy provide economic opportunities if employers need fewer workers in the future? A growing number of people in Silicon Valley are saying the only realistic answer is a basic income.

As Our Jobs Are Automated, Some Say We'll Need A Guaranteed Basic Income

Listen · 4:18
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/495186758/495295185" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Candidates Want To Raise The Economic Tide To Lift Opportunity, But How?

Coleson McCoy watches Heather Milliron work on a project in advanced physical science at the Global Impact STEM Academy in Springfield, Ohio. The city, which lost jobs as factories closed, is trying to boost local incomes with education. Maddie McGarvey for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Maddie McGarvey for NPR

Candidates Want To Raise The Economic Tide To Lift Opportunity, But How?

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump talk about increasing opportunities for coming generations. Some analysts say boosting economic growth would help, but the way there is complicated.

Candidates Want To Raise The Economic Tide To Lift Opportunity, But How?

Listen · 4:14
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/495196187/495241387" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

As U.S. Economy Grows, Many Americans Struggle To Face Trade-Offs

Many economists say stronger growth is a reliable path toward boosting opportunity. But they also agree that many Americans are not ready to face the trade-offs that come with a more dynamic economy.

As U.S. Economy Grows, Many Americans Struggle To Face Trade-Offs

Listen · 5:21
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/495226505/495226506" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Clinton, Trump Differ On How To Create Economic Opportunity In The U.S.

Hillary Clinton tends to focus on the importance of education in creating opportunity. For Donald Trump, the emphasis is on cutting taxes and rewriting trade agreements.

Clinton, Trump Differ On How To Create Economic Opportunity In The U.S.

Listen · 4:14
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/495143715/495143746" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Amid A Business Boom, A Wealth Gap Between Races Leaves Some Struggling

The Millennium Tower looking down Franklin Street in downtown Boston. The city has seen a tech boom and housing prices have also increased over the past few years. Jesse Costa/WBUR hide caption

toggle caption
Jesse Costa/WBUR

Amid A Business Boom, A Wealth Gap Between Races Leaves Some Struggling

WBUR

The growing gap between America's rich and poor plagues many cities, including Boston, where the economy is flourishing. But a legacy of racial discrimination has left a huge wealth divide.

Amid A Business Boom, A Wealth Gap Between Races Leaves Some Struggling

Listen · 4:04
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494900001/495069568" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
A City Looks To STEM School To Lift Economy, But Will Grads Stay?

Students leave school at the end of the day at the Global Impact STEM Academy. Maddie McGarvey for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Maddie McGarvey for NPR

A City Looks To STEM School To Lift Economy, But Will Grads Stay?

What can a city in decline do to make a comeback? In Springfield, Ohio, a new school is trying to turn the tide. But local leaders say keeping young people from moving away is key to economic revival.

A City Looks To STEM School To Lift Economy, But Will Grads Stay?

Listen · 5:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494727453/494984157" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Springfield, Ohio, Launches Efforts To Restart Struggling Economy

It's population has shrunk and many of its manufacturing jobs have also disappeared. The city is working hard on a turnaround plan, but young people are still more likely to leave than stay.

Springfield, Ohio, Launches Efforts To Restart Struggling Economy

Listen · 5:01
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494914732/494914733" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Outnumbering Boomers, Millennials Look For Economic Opportunity

U.S. millennials have overtaken baby boomers as the largest generation. Their economic interests are unique but also diverse — ranging from college debt to affordable childcare and decent paying jobs.

Outnumbering Boomers, Millennials Look For Economic Opportunity

Listen · 4:55
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494837246/494837247" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

How Presidents Can Help Boost American Economic Mobility

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with UC Berkeley economist Enrico Moretti about what it takes to increase economic mobility and how that could change under a President Clinton or President Trump.

How Presidents Can Help Boost American Economic Mobility

Listen · 4:26
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494765481/494765482" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
A Diversified Economy Cushions Columbus, Ohio, From Downturns

People attend the Independents' Day Festival in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The city has become a nearly recession-proof hub. Maddie McGarvey for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Maddie McGarvey for NPR

A Diversified Economy Cushions Columbus, Ohio, From Downturns

Being the state capital, home to Ohio State University and attractive to younger workers has made Columbus a nearly recession-proof economic hub of Ohio. Can its success be replicated elsewhere?

A Diversified Economy Cushions Columbus, Ohio, From Downturns

Listen · 6:11
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/494561019/494619542" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Springfield, Ohio: A Shrinking City Faces A Tough Economic Future

Kids bike on Selma Road in Springfield, Ohio. "Springfield is a rather typical small city that has grown poorer over the years," former mayor Roger Baker says. Maddie McGarvey for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Maddie McGarvey for NPR

Springfield, Ohio: A Shrinking City Faces A Tough Economic Future

As it transitions away from manufacturing, Springfield relies more on lower-paying service jobs. For many, a middle-class life is out of reach. But some see signs of hope for the local economy.

Springfield, Ohio: A Shrinking City Faces A Tough Economic Future

Listen · 7:02
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/493920060/494538537" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

American Immigrants Consider The Country's Role In The World

Black Star News's Milton Allimadi, author Valeria Luiselli, Syrian refugee Asmaa Albukaie, and activist Chih Wu Chang are all immigrants. They discuss U.S. foreign policy and life in the U.S.

American Immigrants Consider The Country's Role In The World

Listen · 11:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/492549583/492549584" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Examining The Foreign Policy Outlook Of Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump

Renee Montagne talks foreign policy with Richard Haass, head of the Council on Foreign Relations, about where the two presidential candidates stand on pressing foreign issues of the campaign.

Examining The Foreign Policy Outlook Of Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump

Listen · 4:28
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/492357759/492357760" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org