American Politics

Explore what’s ahead for November with political expert and author Thad Kousser, Chair, Department of Political Science at UC San Diego, in conversation with Chancellor’s Associates Scholar and UCDC program alumnus, José Luz González ’20, who recently graduated with a degree in Public Health. The conversation covers burning election topics, such as the use of social media, interest group influence, and the voting process and outcomes. Series: "American Politics" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36180]

Why are Americans at such odds about what should be done about the novel coronavirus? Why have Americans become so polarized, even on issue related to our health? What is the source of polarization regarding the pandemic and, if a pandemic doesn't bring the American public together, what will? Series: "American Politics" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35873]

UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies recently completed the largest survey of Californians to date regarding opinions and attitudes related to COVID-19. The results are fascinating and point to a wide range of potential political and societal impacts arising from our still-unfolding responses to the pandemic. This discussion with IGS Co-Directors Cristina Mora and Eric Schickler and Professor of Health Policy and Management Hector Rodriguez, who together devised and ran the poll, delves into the significance and meaning of the data, and what it all might portend for California and the nation in the current context of political polarization and racial inequality. Series: "Institute of Governmental Studies, UC Berkeley (IGS)" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36047]

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a deep impact on the 2020 presidential election, from a battle over when to hold the Wisconsin primary to the postponement of other primaries and even the Democratic convention. In the months ahead, it will shape every facet of the contest: the issues, the mechanics of campaigns, how candidates engage the voters, and ultimately, how we cast our ballots. A panel of Berkeley political scientists and election experts discuss election law and security, voter participation, and how COVID-19 may permanently change how America votes. Panelists: Sarah Anzia, Professor, Goldman School of Public Policy; Henry E. Brady, Dean, Goldman School of Public Policy; Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean, Berkeley Law; Bertrall Ross, Professor, Berkeley Law; Philip Stark, Professor, Department of Statistics

Series: "Public Policy and Society" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36038]

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis threatening to become an economic catastrophe that affects tens of millions of Americans. Is the $2 trillion aid package recently passed by Congress and signed by the president enough to keep the economy from freefall? What more is needed?

A panel of UC Berkeley's leading economists and public policy experts discuss the economic consequences of sheltering-in-place, evaluate the Congressional response and discuss strategies that could help to stabilize the economy, safeguard jobs and protect society's most vulnerable people. Series: "Public Policy and Society" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35876]

If having a gun really made you safer, then America would be one of the safest countries in the world. It's not. Gary Younge (Manchester University) explains that while Americans consistently favor more gun control, gun laws have generally become more lax. That is partly due to the material resources of the gun lobby. But it is also about the central role of the gun, what it represents in the American narrative, and the inability of gun control advocates to develop a counter-narrative. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35770]

Building on an already tense relationship aggravated by the trade war, will the recent War of Words between the U.S. and China lead to further escalation of bilateral tension? Or can a call for humanity and cooperation join the nations in a fight against a common enemy? Join experts from the 21st Century China Center as they explore the issues from all angles. Series: "American Politics" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35862]

The keynote presentation of the Transnational Legal Discourse on Race and Empire Symposium features Aziz Rana whose research and teaching center on American constitutional law and political development, with a particular focus on how shifting notions of race, citizenship, and empire have shaped legal and political identity since the founding. Rana is a Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. Series: "American Politics" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35628]

The Honorable David Shulkin served as the 9th Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2017 to 2018. An experienced healthcare executive, Shulkin had been CEO of several hospitals and had served as the VA’s undersecretary. So he was entirely prepared for stepping into the role of leader of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system (and was confirmed by the Senate 100-0). Yet, soon after he began, he realized that he was not fully prepared for the realities of the role in the Trump administration. A group of political appointees committed to privatizing the VA system began – subtly at first, more brazenly later – to undercut Shulkin’s authority, using back channels that have now become a familiar theme. Ultimately, he was fired by President Trump…by tweet. In this wide-ranging interview, he covers all of this, along with his experience as the “Lone Survivor” for the State of the Union Address and standing by the President’s side after the news of Charlottesville hit. Series: "American Politics" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Business] [Show ID: 35508]

With the 2020 general elections looming, the nominee for the Democratic Party undetermined, and a defiant and volatile president at the helm, the impeachment inquiry is sure to heat up in the weeks ahead. At stake in this topsy-turvy political theater are our democratic institutions, which may be forever altered. This UC Berkeley's Social Science Matrix event features two prominent scholars: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of Berkeley Law, and Robert Reich, Carmel P. Friesen Professor of Public Policy, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley. Series: "Public Policy and Society" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35379]