KU News Release

Dole Institute announces its fall 2008 schedule

LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced a series of election-related events this fall titled “POTUS 44 — The Next President of the United States.” Each program will focus on an important facet of the 2008 presidential race. The programs will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute.

“We’re delighted to have such a busy and focused fall,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “It’s a presidential year, and it is a good opportunity to reach more students and members of the community while they are focused on the Obama-McCain contest.”

The series begins Wednesday, Sept. 10, with “Obama vs. McCain: Campaign 2008.” The program features 2008 Dole Fellows Joe Gaylord and Ray Strother. Gaylord is a top Republican strategist with a specialty in congressional races and was a top adviser to Newt Gingrich. Strother is a legendary Democratic political consultant who has worked with candidates at every level, including former Vice President Al Gore. Gaylord and Strother will discuss a wide variety of factors affecting this fall’s campaigns and their strategies.

Kevin Willmott, associate professor of theatre and film at KU, will share his “Top 10 Political Movies You Must See” on Monday, Sept. 15. Willmott will count down his list of 10 and provide insights on why they were selected.

“The Electoral College: Historical, Political and Constitutional” will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, in honor of Constitution Day. Guest speakers will discuss the Electoral College, one of the least-understood and most controversial institutions created by the Constitution. Speakers will be Jonathan Earle, associate professor of history and associate director of the Dole Institute; Paul D. Schumaker, professor of political science; and Richard K. Levy, the J. B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Law.

The Dole Institute will kick off October with former CNN “Crossfire” host and author Bill Press and his book “Train Wreck: The End of the Conservative Revolution.” The book and program will explore the nation’s past under conservative Republican administrations and how they have affected the country. The program will be Wednesday, Oct. 1.

“One Month Out: Strategists Look at Obama-McCain” will be Wednesday, Oct. 8. This program will feature Jerry Austin, former Dole Fellow and campaign manager for Jesse Jackson, as well as Republican pollster Whit Ayres. These guests will provide a status report on the campaign as election day nears.

“The Final Debate: What Do the Undecideds Think?” will take place Wednesday, Oct. 15. The Dole Institute will show the televised presidential debate, and guests will signal their reactions as part of a dial group responding to the debate through electronic devices. This dial technology allows for focus-group members to instantaneously and anonymously register their responses to the candidates throughout the debate. Mary Banwart, associate professor of communication studies, then will discuss key points and reactions to debate moments with the undecided focus group.

The Dole Institute will explore the media’s role in the election in “Media Coverage of Campaign 2008: Magic or Misguided” on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Guests include Mary Walsh, Chuck DeFeo and Terry Michael. Walsh is a producer for the CBS program “60 Minutes.” DeFeo is the site manager for Townhall.com, a Web publication that publishes political opinion columns daily as well as Associated Press news stories. Michael is the executive director for the Washington Center for Politics and Journalism and formerly was press secretary for the Democratic National Committee.

Several other Dole Forum programs are in development. A program on campaign finance will be Sept. 23. Another program exploring ballot security will be Oct. 28. Details on these programs will be announced soon.

The Dole Institute hopes the programs will help familiarize students at KU and citizens of Lawrence with the most important issues they should consider when going to the polls on Nov. 4.

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