Hosted by CNN political commentator Van Jones, ``The Messy Truth'' is a series of town hall specials aimed at improving communication among people with different political and personal beliefs. Joined by well-known legislative leaders, Jones visits swing states like Ohio and Michigan to meet with residents who once supported President Obama but more recently voted for Donald Trump, letting the community members drive the conversation. That's just one way, Jones contends, to challenge assumptions and understand how people feel.