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Superman Star Joins NH Forum on Political Division

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, April 7th 2026 at 17:01 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

CONCORD, NH -- In an era defined by increasingly sharp political divisions, a surprising coalition is gathering in Concord, New Hampshire, this week to ask a simple, yet profoundly challenging question: Can We Talk? The New Hampshire Forum is hosting a public discussion this Thursday, April 11th, at the Concord City Auditorium, bringing together figures from across the political spectrum - including an unexpected face from 1990s television.

Dean Cain, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman in the series 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,' will join a panel of New Hampshire political veterans in an attempt to identify pathways toward more civil discourse and increased civic engagement. The event isn't about policy specifics, but rather the how of political interaction.

"We're not trying to solve all of the nation's problems in one night," explains David Peverill, a board member of the New Hampshire Forum. "We thought it would be interesting to bring together folks from across the political spectrum to see if they can find some common ground. Dean Cain brings a unique perspective, as someone who's lived in the spotlight and understands the power of public image, but also someone who isn't necessarily defined by a political career. We have folks from both sides of the aisle who can weigh in on how we've reached this point and what, if anything, can be done to improve the situation."

The forum will feature State Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro), a long-time fixture in New Hampshire's Republican party, and former State Representative Mary Heath (D-Hanover), known for her progressive advocacy. State Representative Anita Brown (D-Weare) also joins the conversation, adding another Democratic voice to the mix. Initially, former State Senate Majority Leader and current U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan was slated to participate, but she is no longer expected to attend.

The choice of Cain as a participant has raised eyebrows, but organizers defend the inclusion of someone outside the traditional political sphere. Cain has become increasingly vocal on social media and in public appearances about his conservative views. While this might seem counterintuitive to bridging the divide, Peverill argues that his high profile and ability to connect with a broad audience can be valuable. The intention isn't to have him agree with everyone, but to demonstrate the possibility of respectful disagreement.

Political polarization is a well-documented phenomenon, with studies consistently showing a widening gap between Democrats and Republicans on a range of issues. This trend has been exacerbated by the rise of social media, where echo chambers and algorithmic filtering can reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to opposing viewpoints. The consequences of this polarization are significant, leading to gridlock in government, decreased trust in institutions, and increased social division.

The New Hampshire Forum, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering informed public discussion, hopes that this event will contribute to a more constructive dialogue. The forum aims to provide a platform for participants to share their perspectives, listen to opposing viewpoints, and explore potential solutions for a more civil and productive political climate. The topics slated for discussion - political polarization, solutions for civil discourse, and boosting civic engagement - are at the heart of the current challenges facing American democracy.

Moderated by WMUR-TV's seasoned political director, James Pappas, the forum promises a nuanced and engaging conversation. Pappas, known for his fair and balanced reporting, is well-positioned to guide the discussion and ensure that all voices are heard.

Tickets for "Can We Talk?" are available for $15 online at [ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/can-we-talk-forum-tickets-529373435667 ]. The organizers hope the relatively low ticket price will encourage broad participation from the public, fostering a genuinely inclusive conversation. Whether this forum can truly bridge the partisan divide remains to be seen, but it represents a promising step towards fostering a more constructive and engaged citizenry in New Hampshire, and perhaps beyond.