Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and former U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly called for renewed civility and open-mindedness in American politics during a panel discussion at Marian University on Sept. 25.

“We need to disagree more,” Holcomb said. “We are in these cocoons and we talk to like-minded individuals about the people we don’t like. We don’t talk to people about their differing opinions anymore.”

Holcomb, a Republican, served as Indiana’s governor from 2017 to 2025. Donnelly, a Democrat, represented Indiana in Congress from 2007 to 2019 and later served as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican under President Joe Biden.

When asked about today’s political climate, Donnelly reflected on a bygone era of cooperation in Congress.
“Your word was your bond,” Donnelly said. “If you said something, you kept your word. If you agreed you’d do it, then you did it. The goal was to work together to try to make life a little bit better. I think it’s somewhat different now.”

Moderator Robert Vane, co-host of the Leaders and Legends podcast, referenced the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk earlier in September as an example of rising hostility in national discourse. Kirk, who frequently visited college campuses, was fatally shot during a debate at Utah Valley University.

Both Holcomb and Donnelly said the tragedy underscores the need for change.
“We are at a point where, because of technology and how we self-select our silos that we’re gonna feel comfortable in, we have to have examples,” Holcomb said. “Operating examples, organizations, associations, and clubs on campus that show there is a better way.”

“Talk to one another, spend time with one another,” Donnelly said. “Get to understand the humanity of one another, and maybe we can change this a little bit.”

The event was part of Marian University’s Richard G. Lugar Lecture Series, named after the late Indiana senator known for his bipartisan leadership. According to the event’s webpage, the discussion sold out and drew several high-profile Indiana officials, including State Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and former State Sen. Teresa Lubbers.

Sources:

• Official event recording: Marian University – Richard G. Lugar Lecture Series
• Leaders and Legends podcast: leadersandlegends.fireside.fm
• New York Times coverage of the Charlie Kirk shooting: nytimes.com