Videos

A panel of scholars and media members discussed how party polarization impacts the relationship between the legislative and executive branches. The panelists also talked about how power has …

James Thurber talked about his recent book, American Gridlock: The Sources, Character, and Impact of Political Polarization, which examines political polarization in U.S. politics.

American University held their annual “Latino Public Affairs Forum” analyzing the impact of the Latino electorate on the 2016 presidential election. This panel focused on the strategies of t…

James Thurber talked about congressional efforts to limit the pensions and allowances given to former presidents.

James Thurber talked about lobby reform and ethical issues regarding members of Congress. He spoke about previous efforts to change lobbying practices on Capitol Hill and discussed potential…

Attorney Joseph Sandler talked about the strengths and weaknesses in the laws governing lobbying practices, gift rules, and foreign agents. Mr. Sandler is a former general counsel of the Dem…

Neil Kerwin talked about federal regulation of lobbying, as well as strengths and weaknesses of the current system of rules and restrictions. This talk was part of American University’s b…

Former White House legislative affairs liaisons from the administrations of George H.W. Bush to President Obama discussed how they interacted with Congress to pass legislation. They also com…

James Thurber talked about how President Obama and a Republican-controlled Congress might operate during the 114th Congress. He also discussed how previous administrations have worked with o…

James Thurber talked about the electoral college vote, and he responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. The 538 electors in the electoral college meet in their state and vo…

James Thurber talked about how recent presidents (Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama) have dealt with fiscal matters when Congress is divided. He also responded to telephone calls an…

Linda Monk and Mickey Edwards talked about the origins of the legislative branch and the roles and responsibilities of Congress. James Thurber moderated. The panelists responded to questions…

Dan Weiss talked about using paid media as an advocacy campaign tool. Topics included types of strategies for advocacy campaigns, elements of a an advertising campaign, and planning factors.…

Joel Malina delivered remarks on coalition building and issue campaigns. Following his remarks he responded to questions from audience members.

Glen Bolger spoke to students about the use of polling and survey data in public policy and political campaigns. Among the topics he addressed were the use of polling for research, targeting…

Sarah Dufendach spoke to students about coalition building, campaign finance reform, and issue advocacy. She focused on the influence of money in politics and navigating potential pitfalls o…

Walter Oleszek spoke to students about the legislative process and effective lobbying. Among the topics he addressed were the role of the lobbyist in shaping legislation, ethics, and buildi…

James Thurber spoke to students about political lobbying efforts and the role of the lobbyist in the political process. He focused on recent lobbying reforms enacted by Congress governing pr…

Charles Brain presented a lecture about lobbying strategies and understanding the relationship between the executive and legislative branch. He emphasized the dynamic nature of the relations…

James Thurber talked about President-Elect Obama’s transition team announcement of new rules for lobbyists, and how the rules differ from previous presidential transitions.