Where We Keep The Light

1. Does a politician’s religion (and religious views) impact the way you vote?

2. In modern days, patriotism tends to be associated with the right. How do you feel about politicians on the left who are patriotic and feel like we live in the greatest country?

3. How do you feel about Shapiro’s efforts to see the shared humanity and shared values of people of all faiths, backgrounds, and political affiliations? Have we lost the ability to disagree respectfully in our society?

4. What did you think of Shapiro’s thoughts on freedom? How do you determine what kind of freedom we should have and what kind of freedom is worth restricting? When should your moral views be legislated, and when do you prioritize personal choice and liberty?

5. Do you prefer politics with a positive message or politics of grievance? Is it more important what we are for or what we are against?

6. Shapiro showed a willingness to reach across the aisle to make deals, and he also discussed how he has nuanced positions on many issues. Shapiro explains how he and others get flack when working with the other side. Do you like when a politician is able to work with the other side and holds nuanced views, or do you want politicians to be more ideologically pure (in accordance with your perspective)?

   • Can you be uncompromising with your principles while also not being a purist?

   • In the age of social media, is it more difficult to hold nuanced views?

7. Have both Democrats and Republicans become too cynical towards government and its ability to be a positive force in people’s lives?

8. What did you think of Lori (Shapiro’s future wife) sharing his love letter (during college) with her roommate and friends and mocking and laughing over his every word? What did you think of Shapiro sharing information about various conversations that he had with citizens and politicians? How do you decide what should be kept private?

9. Shapiro explained that he often tells his kids and young groups of people that you never know what is going to strike a passion in you. How often have you been struck with a new passion that surprised you?

10. To what extent do you feel it is your duty to be involved in politics?

11. What did you think of Shapiro breaking up with his girlfriend and asking Lori to marry him weeks later? Shapiro stated that he knew nothing could start again with Lori until he ended his relationship. In our society, many people view this is as different than having an affair. Is this truly different or morally superior to having an affair?

12. Shapiro mentions how certain Republicans from the past are now mostly Democrats in today’s politics. We have also heard people say this from the other side that Democrats from the past are now Republicans in today’s politics. Have you ever felt like your political party changed and left you behind in some way? Have you always been in the same political party, and have you ever considered jumping ship? Do you always vote according to party affiliation?

13. When discussing the sexual abuse that took place in the Catholic Church, Shapiro mentions that he questioned how God could let this happen to innocent children. Has seeing the evil that exists in the world ever impacted your faith?

14. Shapiro explains that he’d give just about anything to relive a trip that he had with his family. Do you feel this same way about any particular time in your life?

15. Shapiro was able to help get a deal done which allowed thousands of people to continue getting the healthcare that they needed. Shapiro explained that most people are pretty decent (even though it can be hard to remember when disagreements seem insurmountable). Shapiro says that he believes that we have more that unites us than divides us and that good things can happen when we make space for conversations and relationships with people we don’t always agree with. Do you agree with Shapiro’s sentiments? Do you see most people as being pretty decent?

16. What did you think of Shapiro’s stance on the death penalty and how it evolved? (He initially supported the death penalty for the most heinous crimes, but he changed his mind based on a variety of factors, including recognizing that the system is fallible, the outcome is irreversible, and many victims are able to accept a sentence of life in prison rather than the death penalty.) Are you okay when a politician changes their stance on an issue, or do you generally assume this is disingenuous and done in bad faith?

17. Do you agree with Shapiro that it is possible to support the law enforcement community and also want to reform the criminal justice system?

18. Is it hard to follow what you believe is right when it’s not popular?

19. Do you agree with Shapiro that both sides will ultimately coalesce around what’s right if they actually listen to each other and have the stomach for doing the hard work together?

20. Shapiro talked about the assassination attempt on Trump and the death of Corey Comperatore who was in attendance at the rally. After Shapiro made his public statement about the incident and described how Corey loved his family and died a hero, Shapiro was told by a cop that he couldn’t believe a Democrat who supports Biden and Harris would ever speak so warmly about a Trump rally attendee. Shapiro asks: “How did we as a nation get to a point where people are surprised to see their leaders show up when they are needed most? Where it’s politically risky to show up for everyone, to listen to and respect and support people you agree the same way you would with those you don’t. Like we need to pass a series of political tests in order to associate with each other. When did people start to believe that you are only there to represent the people who voted for you? That we should shut out the opinions we don’t agree with rather than debate the ideas. Fear mongering and demonizing has replaced compassion in our political climate.” What do you think of Shapiro’s reaction to the death of Corey Comperatore and his thoughts on the current political climate?

21. Several times throughout the book, Shapiro highlights the idea that people often want a shoulder rather than a solution (or to be heard rather than be talked at). When people are struggling with something, do you usually focus on listening and understanding or are you often quick to prescribe a solution?

22. What did you think of Shapiro’s description of the vetting process when he was considering running as Vice President alongside Kamala Harris? Shapiro described it as feeling unnecessarily contentious. It seemed as if those questioning him were uncomfortable if he had any positions that were are at odds with Harris. Shapiro also explained how he was surprised how much Harris seemed to dislike her role as Vice President. Harris explained how difficult it was for her not to have a voice in decision making. At the same time, she made it clear that she was not looking for Shapiro to have any influence on her decision making as President.

23. Shapiro states that he has never dwelled on regret in his life -- not because he hasn’t made mistakes or wished that in certain moments he would have made a different choice, but because he is committed to learning from a mistake and keep it moving. Are you able to handle mistakes in this way or do you dwell on regret? If you dwell on regret, can you imagine a way in which you could adopt Shapiro’s mindset when it comes to learning from mistakes and keeping it moving?

24. Do you care as much (or perhaps more) about a politician’s character than their political positions?

25. Would you vote for Josh Shapiro for President?