In a representative democracy, constituents cast votes in order to elect politicians who understand what they need from the government. Voters put their trust in elected officials, knowing that – theoretically – the sole mission of a politician is to protect the electorate. Empathy thus becomes a pivotal characteristic of any politician who strives to stand up for the rights of a diverse populace.
As members of Congress continue to oppose extending unemployment benefits and promote slashing SNAP, it can feel as though we are experiencing a widening empathy gap amongst Members of Congress. A recent NBC News poll found that 45% of Americans think the Democratic Party does a better job of showing compassion and concern for people. Only 17% said the same of the Republican Party. On Sunday’s Melissa Harris-Perry, we’re breaking down the politics of empathy in the struggle for greater economic equality.
In our second hour, we will shift our focus to a new report published by NBC News Special Anchor Maria Shriver entitled The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink. In it, Shriver highlights the effects of poverty on women and underscores the vital importance of closing the wage gap as a pivotal part of the economic agenda in order to spur economic growth.









