Jessica Tarlov, a cohost on Fox News’ political talk show “The Five,” is encouraging more civil discourse amid the country’s growing political polarization. Known as the show’s lone liberal voice among conservative panelists, Tarlov recently released her first book, *I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends*, which blends memoir with practical advice on navigating difficult political conversations.
Tarlov sees her position on a predominantly conservative network not as isolating but as an opportunity to bridge divides. “I still do well though,” she said of being outnumbered four to one on the panel. Her goal extends beyond changing minds immediately to fostering a long-term culture of respectful dialogue. “Discourse which is grounded in civility,” she said, “doesn’t mean it doesn’t get hot, but I’ve figured out a way to calm even the tensest moments with a dose of humanity or humor.”
Her book arrives as the U.S. approaches what could be one of the most divisive and costly midterm elections in recent history. Tarlov noted a shared frustration across political lines about the polarization affecting personal relationships. “People are sick of losing people in their lives,” she said.
Raised in New York City in a family involved in the film industry, Tarlov studied public policy and earned a doctorate in political science and government after attending institutions including Bryn Mawr College and the London School of Economics. Earlier in her career, she worked on Boris Johnson’s mayoral reelection campaign in London before returning to the U.S., where she joined a major Democratic polling firm. Her media career grew from there, leading to appearances and ultimately a permanent role on Fox News, where she was named a contributor in 2017 and became a cohost by 2022.
Tarlov balances her television duties with a cohost role on the podcast *Raging Moderates*, where prominent Democratic candidates frequently appear. She shared that Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott offered her the cohost position while she was pregnant and on maternity leave, a moment she described as “a big vote of confidence” amid personal hardships, including her father’s cancer treatment and passing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite her visibility, Tarlov faces significant online hostility, including harsh criticism from former President Donald Trump. She recounts a notable incident in her book when Trump publicly disparaged her shortly before a U.S. military strike on an Iranian nuclear site, calling her “a disgrace to television broadcasting” and fueling threats against her. She described the emotional toll it took, including moments of vulnerability shared with her husband. Tarlov emphasized the wider impact of such attacks beyond the political arena, warning against treating them lightly.
Reflecting on her role in political commentary, Tarlov said she aims to challenge stereotypes of Democrats as “aloof or elitist,” using humor to diffuse tension without resorting to personal attacks. She highlighted the importance of listening and maintaining dialogue even during heated exchanges, a practice she has cultivated over years of engaging with conservatives on both television and in her podcast.
Tarlov also discussed evolving her views on contentious issues such as immigration, shaped in part through her exposure to differing perspectives. She urged political coalitions to allow space for voters who may have supported former President Trump out of economic concerns, stressing the need for “grace” in political conversations going forward.
“No matter your politics, the other side is not as bad as you think,” Tarlov said, advocating for a more empathetic and patient approach to political disagreement in an increasingly divided nation.