Common Ground: Climate, Guns, Borders, and Beyond 

Just my opinion on "common ground" attainment, from a conservative. Gun Control: No common ground found. Matt, like most Democrats he used emotional language that amounts to "do something". Steve, put forth information that pertains to the topics that decisions should be base upon, from use of weapons numbers compared to other items or activities that result in more deaths, but are not being called to regulate or ban. He also pointed out some of the inconsistencies in the argument around the Amendments and the 2nd specifically. Climate Change: Some common ground found. Matt again engaged in many talking points while Steve pointed out actual data, but overall there was some found. Steve is also correct that sources like LNG are needed more than ever. LNG has been the largest contributor to lowering the global carbon footprint than anything else. Disappointed that Nuclear was not mentioned. Religion in Politics: Common ground found. The United States was founded by a group of people that were religious or heavy into religious traditions and is clearly stated in our founding documents. Border: Some common ground found. It's a mess and needs to be fixed and while both seem to say that, Matt seemed to equivocate a little in his answers. Abortion: No common ground found. I'm not sure any common ground can be found on this topic between a Democrat and Republican that fully embrace their beliefs and convictions. On this topic Matt again used emotional language, while Steve talked in more philosophical language that really needs to be answered. For most Republicans life starts at conception or soon after. The question then becomes for them.....when is it acceptable to take a life? In some states its legal for a woman to get an abortion but at the same time if she is shot and killed the criminal could be charged for 2 murders, for the woman and her unborn child. So an unborn child is a life and worth protecting only if the woman or society says so. This is the type of question that needs to be answered in order to have an honest conversation to find common ground. It really can't reasonably be both ways.