On the western edge of the battleground state of North Carolina cuts the Nantahala River and an unlikely spot for an experiment in reconciliation.
About 30 Americans went there to navigate the Nantahala on rafts while probing the limits of political estrangement. They are liberals and conservatives, independents and libertarians — sure to oppose one another on all manner of ideas and issues.
But they’re also willing to talk and paddle together toward something deeper.
Ken Powley, an experienced rafter who worries deeply about American alienation, organized the trip as part of R.A.F.T. for America , a movement that brings people who have different perspectives together on rafting trips. Its parent organization, Team Democracy , was co-founded by Powley with the aim of countering political polarization and encouraging civility.
“As Americans we really are in the same boat together,” Powley said. “I’m the guy that always thought of democracy like the air you breathe. It’s always gonna be there.”