Week 6: It's All About the Data: Never Underestimate The Power of Numbers​

Data mining is a big business and a big influence on political campaigns. Digital information can dictate where candidates go, where to spend, and how to message. Alice Stewart dives into the digital world with former Ted Cruz for President Analytics Director and CEO of WPA Intel Chris Wilson to discuss the value of data and analytics in a campaign.

Guest: Chris Wilson (CEO, WPA Intelligence and former Analytics Director, Ted Cruz for President)

Location: Institute of Politics (L-163)

***Harvard ID Required***

Week 6: Organizing Around a New Narrative: Strategies for Shifting the Narrative and Building Political Power through Storytelling and Strategic Messaging

We are currently in an era where people are receiving information and developing political ideologies through non-vetted social media outlets, political soundbites, and opinion based news networks. Trump and white nationalist groups have effectively built a base of supporters by propagating false information, making up sensational conspiracies and theories based in fear and not fact. How are the progressives and conservatives using narrative as an organizing tool for building a populist movement? What are the distinctions and similarities? Through my organizing work with Black Voters Matter Fund I will share several effective strategies around shifting the narrative of voters in the South and Black voters that have proven to be both effective and transformative.

Guest: Tarana Burke (Founder, Me Too Movement and Civil Rights Activist)

​Week 6: Truth, Fact, and Opinion: Journalism in an Era of "Fake News"

Join Bob Cohn for a conversation with James Bennet, who oversees the Opinion department at the Times. The former editor in chief of The Atlantic and a onetime correspondent for the Times, Bennet is known as a gifted writer and rigorous editor who can lead institutions through times of great change. They'll talk about the distinction between news and opinion, the challenges and opportunities of digital platforms, and the role of the press in this moment of national fracture.

Guest: James Bennet (Editorial Page Editor, The New York Times)

Location: Institute of Politics (L-163)

Week 6: The People's House

From the very beginning of the presidency, the Obamas set out to make the White House an accessible, transparent, inclusive space where everyone felt welcomed. This was a foundation of everything planned in those eight years. This session will focus on White House functions and the thought process and strategy behind making 1600 Pennsylvania “The People’s House.” From the guest representation, to the menu, décor, and, of course, entertainment, we’ll take a look at what makes a successful event and what happens when the events do -- or do not -- come together.

Location: Institute of Politics (L-166)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet will deliver a public address on global human rights.

Have a passion for research? Want to learn more about working at think tanks? Come to this discussion with Ryan Berg, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who focuses on topics including transnational organized crime, narco trafficking, and illicit networks. Dr. Berg will speak about his research experience and help you understand what it's like to work at a think tank. This event is co-sponsored by the Alexander Hamilton Society, IOP Policy Program, and IOP Internships and Career Services.

Location: Institute of Politics (L-166)

A conversation with Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and Professor Lawrence H. Summers on the new international order.

Week 5: Gender Balance and Its Role in Business and Advancing Society

Just a few years ago, women did not have the right to vote. In some countries, they still cannot be seen outside their homes without a father or husband. What is the cost to economies, governments, businesses, and society to not yet having reached a gender balance? What role does the advancement of women play on the achievement of the SDG's. As a champion for the global coalition on Equal Pay launched by WEF and ILO, we will cover key policies proposed and approved to solve this issue.

Guest: Ambassador Karine Asselin (Executive Director, Global Affairs Canada and Former Canadian Ambassador to Panama, 2015-2018)

Location: Institute of Politics (L-163)

Week 5: The Role of Media in Politics

We will discuss the role of media in politics and the responsibilities of those who
produce as well as those who consume media content.

Guest: Strauss Zelnick (Founder, Zelnick Media Capital and CEO, Take-Two Interactive Software)

Join us at the Forum for the Democratic presidential primary debate from Westerville, Ohio.

Doors Open at 7:30pm

Join us for the 2019 Robert S. McNamara Lecture on War and Peace with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on solutions to global poverty, moderated by Professor Zoe Marks.

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)