"Democracy is like the experience of life itself - always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested for adversity," Jimmy Carter Speech to Parliament of India. We are made to believe that democracy is as clear as black and white; right and wrong. But it's not. Democracy, like former President Carter stated is "the experience of life itself."

When a president is elected without substantial consent from the American public- twice- and only around 30% of the population actually takes part in any type of election, one has to wonder what role democracy has to play in the makeup of American politics. One of the most important elections in American history is less than half-a-year away, and the country seems ready to take part in the process of choosing a new president in unprecedented numbers. but are they willing to step back and examine broadly the things that need to be fixed?

On today's show, Laura and her guest Susan Griffin, Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of "Wrestling With the Angel of Democracy: On Being an American Citizen," examine the contradictions inherent in our political system, and what the best path for the average voter is in the coming months. Griffin discusses how the Declaration of Independence, the war in Iraq and even the current presidential elections all contributed to the rise and fall of the American vision of freedom and equality- democracy.