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Advancing a politics where we respect each other

USC Center for the Political Future (CPF) combines rigorous intellectual inquiry, teaching, and practical politics to advance civil dialogue and research that transcends partisan divisions and finds solutions to pressing national and global challenges. Our events, programs, scholarships, and internships inspire and train students for careers in public service and lifetimes of civic engagement.

Senator Barbara Boxer discussed the wave of women elected in the 2018 midterm elections.

Students gathered in the Wallis Annenberg Forum to watch election results and analysis in real-time.

Former Democratic National Chair Donna Brazile shares her take on the election with longtime friend and CPF Director Bob Shrum.

Students, faculty, and community members discussed the live midterm election results.

Senator Barbara Boxer discusses the wave of women elected in the 2018 midterm elections. Sign up for our newsletter for more events.

Students gather in the Wallis Annenberg Forum to watch election results and analysis in real-time. See our calendar of events.

Former Democratic National Chair Donna Brazile shares her take on the election with longtime friend and CPF Director Bob Shrum. See our calendar of events.

Students, faculty, and community members discuss the live midterm election results. Sign up for our newsletter for more events.

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Bully Pulpit Podcast

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Public affairs expert Matt Klink sharing his career advice with USC students in the CPF Internship Program.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics

The Unruh Institute is dedicated to bridging the academic study of politics with practical experience in the field.

INTERNSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIPS

Fall 2022 CPF Fellow Noelia Rodriguez, former Communications Director to First Lady Laura Bush, with her Study Group students.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Fellows Program

Take classes and network with top politicos and policy experts.

APPLY FOR FELLOWS COURSES

CURRENT FELLOWS

EVENTS PAGE

CPF Climate Forward 2023 conference panel conversation with Val Demings (left), Adam Kinzinger (middle), and Bob Shrum (right) at USC Town and Gown.

USC student asking a question on live television at a CPF climate forum event at USC Annenberg.

Leadership

The Center is led by two of the nation’s most respected political experts.

Longtime friends, despite political differences, Robert Shrum and Michael Murphy are working together to co-direct the Center.

Robert Shrum has a storied career as an author and campaign adviser to Democratic candidates. Michael Murphy is one of the Republican Party’s most successful political consultants.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

CPF Director Bob Shrum (left) and Co-Director Mike Murphy (right) sitting side by side.

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USC Center for the Political Future