Two Political Science Students Share Views Across the Political Spectrum

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The symbols of the Democratic (donkey) and Republican (elephant) parties are seen on display in Washington, D.C., in 2008.

U of A students Anna Cook and Elizabeth Kimbrell may be affiliated with different political parties, but that hasn't stopped the pair from being best friends.

And recently, the duo who first bonded during an Associated Student Government campaign, joined NPR Here & Now's Tonya Mosley to talk about what kind of politics they envision for the future and what this means for Gen Z.

Both Cook and Kimbrell are senior political science majors who have found they have more in common than some would realize, and that intentional conversations about politics have helped them better understand where each other is coming from.

"It's just getting to know the other people and where they're coming from versus just attacking the policy in general," said Kimbrell, who identifies as a Democrat.

Cook, who identifies as a Republican, said she is "someone who desires connection with people across the aisle and really all different types of people," adding that many of the Republicans she knows feel similarly and want more work between the two parties versus division.

Cook and Kimbrell's segment also appeared on local NPR affiliate KUAF 91.3 FM and is available to listen to online.

"When NPR's Here & Now reached out asking if I could recommend thoughtful students from across the political spectrum to be in a segment called 'What Kind Of Politics Are We Leaving The Next Generation?' Elizabeth and Anna came to mind immediately," said Angie Maxwell, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and the Diane D. Blair Chair in Southern Studies.

"Not only are they two of my brightest students, but they did a fantastic job explaining how each approaches their political views. I'm very proud of them!"

Todd Shields, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences agreed, adding that he found the duo's interview inspiring.

"How refreshing that a Democrat and a Republican are the best of friends and are still able to 'agree to disagree' and talk about politics this way," Shields said. "Let's hope we have more leaders like them in our future."

This story also appeared in the Fulbright REVIEW publication.