Dialogue Across Difference

Things have not gone well for the Republican Party. It lost the races for president and control of both houses of Congress after the two Democrats won the Georgia runoff elections. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty joins us to make the case for changing the GOP's current direction. He argues that the winning path combines conservative principles and populism to modernize the Republican brand. Democrats use government to advance equal outcomes while Republicans try to stop government overreach from trampling our liberties.

How will President Biden proceed administratively and legislatively to build on the ACA? Will advocates for the Public Option prevail and, if they fail, will they be pragmatic or stop any reform? How will health care providers and the larger health care industry respond? And, by the way, the Supreme Court will be deciding a lawsuit aimed at declaring the ACA unconstitutional—again. One of Washington’s shrewdest health policy observers, Len Nichols, joins the Center for the Policy and Governance in this virtual event.

This webinar covers key changes in absentee and mail voting last year, as well as in-person voting options like early voting and vote centers. How are states responding this year—staying the course, returning to previous norms, or fine-tuning their processes? The event is co-hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Humphrey School's Certificate in Election Administration (CEA) program.

Donald Trump tapped a reservoir of radical hate by scapegoating immigrants and Black Americans victimized by police violence, lying about the presidential election results, and mobilizing a mob to assault Congress. Even as Trump swung away, a powerful story about American democracy emerged. The 2020 election demonstrated the durability of law, the courage of the free press, and the civic determination of Americans who organized and voted in record numbers. One of America's iconic observers of American public life - Kathleen Hall Jamieson - joins us to talk about the state of American democracy and its future.

President Joe Biden entered the White House with dire news blasting around him. The coronavirus continues its rampage across America, and the economy is on its knees. The President's much-promised "unity" is being tested by opposition from Republicans and Democrats, who either want more progressive or moderate policies. What are President Biden's prospects? Washington sage Norm Ornstein joins us, as well as Former Vice President Walter Mondale; Professor Larry Jacobs moderates.

James Hohmann joins us the day before Joe Biden's inauguration to preview its organization and significance. Drawing on his experiences in Washington, he also discusses Donald Trump's likely impact on the Biden administration and Republican Party and previews the new president's prospects to advance his policy agenda.

The path to empowering Black people lies in the growth of Black equity, wealth, and capital. A growing number of feasible strategies offer a tangible path forward to create financial systems and structures that work equally well for everyone.

Prof. Larry Jacobs moderates a conversation with Gary Cunningham, President and CEO of Prosperity Now.

Kate DiCamillo, writer of stories for children, visits to read from her work and talk about the solace and hope that literature offers. The two-time Newbery Award winner is joined by John Schumacher, part-time lecturer at Rutgers University and the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic, who will moderate this special event.

Nationally renowned writer Charles Baxter reads and discusses his just-released novel, The Sun Collective, which introduces us to compelling characters who struggle to make sense of a disorienting world and—against the backdrop of the Twin Cities—to form meaningful relationships and communities. U of M English professor and novelist Julie Schumacher moderates a reading and conversation with Baxter.

Join us for a discussion of U.S. foreign policy with Jake Sullivan, incoming National Security Advisor for President-elect Biden and a former deputy chief of staff for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Former Vice President Walter Mondale will join the conversation; Professor Larry Jacobs will moderate.