From both left and right: Our nation needs real debate

Some people are surprised to hear that the former speaker of the House who led the Republican Revolution of 1994 and the former Democratic governor of Vermont and chair of the Democratic National Committee have a friendly camaraderie.

However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe that people of differing ideologies can and must engage in respectful dialogue. In fact, the health and success of our nation depends on it. We look forward to putting this shared belief on display on April 19 at Judson University's World Leaders Forum in Elgin.

Name calling, baiting and insults don't solve the challenges facing America. The founding of this nation was rooted in a deep commitment to ensuring that differing opinions are openly discussed. We believe that securing a lasting republic relies on our leaders' ability to foster an environment in which people with divergent perspectives can work together to move our country forward. We are both deeply committed to facilitating the restoration and preservation of open and unfettered political dialogue. We have devoted our careers to protecting this integral element of America, and our country's greatest, most durable successes have resulted from bipartisan solutions born from spirited, respectful debate.

There are pragmatic, consensus ideas for addressing the mounting national debt; achieving effective, fair immigration reform; fixing the American health care system; securing our nation; and virtually all other challenges facing our country. We know firsthand that the process of finding these solutions can lead to a passionate clash of ideologies. Nevertheless, we must always treat one another with dignity and respect as we pursue solutions to these problems with zealous commitment to our own ideals. At the end of the day, the lives and livelihoods of real people are at stake.

In today's politically charged climate, higher education institutions sometimes shy away from bringing speakers to their campuses who might spark controversy or debate. We applaud Judson University for inviting us to co-keynote the World Leaders Forum on April 19. We look forward to sharing and explaining our own opposing ideas on how to best solve our country's problems at this important event - through the great America tradition of respectful debate and dialogue.

Howard Dean is a political consultant and former governor of Vermont. He chaired the Democratic National Committee from 2005-09. Newt Gingrich is a Republican political commentator and former Georgia congressman who served as speaker of the U.S. House from 1995-1999. They will lead "A Bipartisan Conversation About Leadership in Divided Times" at 2 p.m. Thursday at Judson University's Elgin campus.