Study Group with Alice Stewart: Debates, Des Moines, and Decency: The Current State of Civility on the Campaign Trail

Former President Ronald Reagan encouraged colleagues to “not speak ill-will of fellow Republicans. Former President Barack Obama advised Democrats to “avoid the circular firing squad” in the primary. In the Trump era we have the line from the hit series Game of Thrones, “It’s hard to put a leash on a dog once you’ve put a crown on its head.” Whatever happened to civility in politics, do voters care, and what does the future hold for a return to issues-based campaigning?

Study group led by Alice Stewart, CNN Political Commentator, NPR Contributor, Leadership Institute Faculty, former Communications Director for Ted Cruz for President, Emmy-award winning journalist.

Week 5: Debates, Des Moines, and Decency: The Current State of Civility on the Campaign Trail

On the eve of the next 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary Debate, Alice Stewart pulls back the curtain on the presidential primary process in the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Why do candidates go to the Iowa State Fair, the Red Arrow Diner in New Hampshire? How do candidates keep it civil in this era of toxic tweets? Join us for this timely discussion on the role of civility in politics.

Guest (via Skype): IOP Fall 2012 Resident Fellow Brett O'Donnell (Presidential Debate Advisor and Coach; President, O'Donnell and Associates)

Location: Institute of Politics (L-163)