Political discussions at USC Dornsife explore democracy’s biggest questions
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) hosts a series of events aimed at fostering civil dialogue across the political spectrum. Dedicated to promoting respectful conversation, bipartisan engagement and fact-based analysis, the center regularly brings together scholars, policymakers, journalists and advocates to explore the country’s most pressing issues.
Over the next several weeks, the center will host thought-provoking discussions by leaders and experts with diverse perspectives on topics ranging from the health of American democracy and the future of national service to the role of the courts and the art of bridging political divides.
Upcoming CPF Events
CPF Open House and Welcome Dinner
Sept. 9, 4 to 6 p.m.
The CPF team explains how students can get involved with the USC Political Union, Trojan Democrats, USC GOP and more. Open to students, faculty and staff.
Gen Z and Democracy: Disillusioned and Disengaged?
Sept. 11, noon to 1 p.m.
Maddy Roth (I Am a Voter), Jahnavi Rao (New Voters) and Laura Brill (The Civics Group; former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg) explore the forces reshaping Gen Z voters’ approach to civic life and evaluate if they are adapting or realigning politically. Open to the public.
Civic Fair for National Voter Registration Day
Sept. 16, all day.
Student political organizations join community groups including Common Cause and the L.A. County Registrar to encourage civic participation. Open to students, faculty and staff.
Conversation and Book Signing with Former Sen. Joe Manchin
Sept. 18, 2 p.m.
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Bob Shrum (CPF director) discuss Manchin’s new memoir, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense, and explore his Senate and White House experiences. Open to the public.
U.S. Presidents and Civility
Sept. 29, noon to 1 p.m.
Fred Ryan (Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute chair; former Reagan chief of staff) and Bob Shrum (CPF director) discuss civil discourse, reflecting on examples such as President Reagan’s partnership with Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill to President Obama’s dialogue with critics. Open to the public.
How’s Trump Doing? What About the Democrats?
Nov. 6, 2 to 3 p.m.
Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy (CPF director and co-director, respectively) hold a balanced and witty conversation about the latest political headlines. Open to alumni, students, faculty and staff.
Pizza and Politics Series
Tuesdays from Sept. 23 through Nov. 4.
CPF Fellows go deep on current events, their careers, and whatever attendees raise for discussion. Open to students, faculty and staff.
Additional upcoming events to watch for:
- The Courts and the Future of Democracy – Sept. 29. Skye Perryman (Democracy Project), Franita Tolson (USC Gould School of Law dean) and Jeffrey Toobin (CNN legal analyst).
- Dialogue Across Difference: Scaling Your Passion Building a Movement – Oct. 13. Book talk with Shannon Watts (Moms Demand Action) and Benji Backer (Nature Is Nonpartisan CEO and founder).
- Warschaw Conference: America at 250 — Young or Old Democracy? – Nov. 18. This conference covers U.S. history, presidential politics, redistricting, and elections, featuring Bob Shrum (CPF director), Richard Gephardt (former U.S. Rep.) and other experts.
- Presidential Power from Reagan to Trump and Beyond – Nov. Bob Shrum (CPF Director), Frank Lavin (former Reagan political director) and other invited guests.
Editor’s Note: Ileana Wachtel and Darrin S. Joy contributed to this article.