KU News Release

Dole Institute program on Iraq withdrawal to air on Topeka public television station

LAWRENCE — A Dole Institute of Politics program intended to raise the bar on political discourse will be broadcast on Topeka public television station KTWU at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19.

“The Dole Institute Presents: Neutral Ground” combines debate and courtroom-style formats, examining the feasibility of President-elect Barack Obama’s call to withdraw U.S. combat forces from Iraq by May 2010. Bill Kurtis, veteran journalist and 1962 KU graduate, moderates the program.

“At a time when cable TV programming consists of screaming talking heads spouting clever one-liners rather than meaningful discussion, we will attempt to raise the bar on political discourse in the U.S.,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute.

“Neutral Ground” features two advocates: Pedro Irigonegaray, a prominent attorney from Topeka, and Fred McClure, Washington, D.C.-based attorney and former White House director of legislative affairs. Each advocate will call upon experts to testify on behalf of their cases and will be allowed to cross-examine the other advocate’s experts.

The program was recorded Sept. 29 at the Dole Institute.

“Neutral Ground” will be rebroadcast at 5 p.m. Nov. 22.

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