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Center for Politics' documentary "Out of Order" earns Emmy nomination


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – The University of Virginia Center for Politics' latest documentary, Out of Order, has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Topical Documentary. The film, which was produced by the Center for Politics and the Community Idea Stations and directed by Paul Tait Roberts, is a 30-minute documentary about political gridlock in Washington, D.C. The nomination through the Capital Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences was announced May 13, and winners will be announced at the 55th Annual Emmy Awards dinner in Baltimore on June 15.

Out of Order: Civility in Politics relies on interviews with prominent academics, journalists, political observers and senior (current and former) elected officials to explore partisanship and dysfunction in American government. The production features first-hand accounts by respected statesmen and women. Among the interviewees are Sens. Susan Collins (R) and Mark Warner (D); former Sens. Evan Bayh (D) and John Warner (R); Bob Schieffer of CBS News; and Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato.

Over the past several months, Out of Order has aired on more than 180 PBS stations across the country, including broadcasts in top markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

An extended preview of Out of Order is available here.

The Center for Politics and the Community Idea Stations are currently producing a new documentary marking the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. The documentary, which will also explore JFK's influence on subsequent presidents, will be released nationally in the fall.

Voices of Civil Rights Movement to share their stories in Charlottesville


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – On Monday, April 15, the University of Virginia Center for Politics will host a panel discussion, "Voices of the Civil Rights Movement." Panelists will discuss their personal experiences as a part of the dramatic events of that era, particularly key moments such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the event will take place at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center at 233 Fourth Street, NW in Charlottesville.

The forum will be moderated by Dr. Patrice Preston Grimes, the Associate Dean of African-American Affairs at the University of Virginia and an Associate Professor at the Curry School of Education. She will be joined by the following panelists:

  • Joanne Bland, a participant in the Bloody Sunday and Turn Around Tuesday marches in Selma, Al.;
  • Edwilda Allen Isaac, who helped lead a walk-out protesting school segregation in Prince Edward County; the ensuing lawsuit became part of Brown v. Board of Education;
  • Rita Moseley, whose education was interrupted by Massive Resistance;
  • Sarah Collins Rudolph, who survived the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Al., perpetrated by members of the Ku Klux Klan;
  • Catherine Scott, a participant in the March on Washington from Farmville, Va.

Founded as a school for former slaves in 1865, the Jefferson School served as a segregated educational institution in Charlottesville until the 1960s. Following integration, the building was used by the city for many educational and administrative purposes. In 2007, Charlottesville launched a public-private partnership to renovate and redevelop the Jefferson School. Today, the school serves as a community center offering educational, social, health and recreational services. It also houses the African American Heritage Center, which explores the Jefferson School's history and other aspects of the African-American experience in the region.

The panel is presented as part of the Center for Politics' Anniversary Series, which commemorates landmark political events in American history through public lectures, programs, television documentaries and teaching resources offered to a nationwide audience.

The event is free and open to the public with advance registration, and the press is invited to attend. For more information or to register, visit http://www.centerforpolitics.org/voices.html.


Terry McAuliffe to speak with U.Va. class

Democratic nominee for governor scheduled to appear Wednesday


CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic nominee in the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial race, will speak to students in Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium, Room 402, on the University of Virginia grounds.

McAuliffe, who served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, will discuss his experience in politics with the more than 400 students taking Sabato's course.

The event is hosted and sponsored by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. McAuliffe will give brief remarks to the class before answering questions from students. His remarks to the class are not open to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend and should contact Kyle Kondik or Geoffrey Skelley to reserve space or seating.

McAuliffe entered national politics in the early 1980s, working in finance for various Democratic campaigns and committees. In 1996, he served as national co-chair of President Bill Clinton's reelection campaign. After serving as DNC chair, McAuliffe sought the Democratic nomination for Virginia governor in 2009 but lost to state Sen. Creigh Deeds.


Senator Tim Kaine to speak with U.Va. class

Newly-elected Virginia Democrat scheduled to appear Wednesday


CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), who was elected to the U.S. Senate last November, will speak to students in Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class on Wednesday, April 3 at 3 p.m. at the Wilson Hall Auditorium, Room 402, on the University of Virginia grounds.

Kaine, who also served as Virginia governor from 2006 to 2010 and as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2009 to 2011, will discuss his experience in politics with the more than 400 students taking Sabato's course.

The event is hosted and sponsored by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Kaine will give brief remarks to the class before answering questions from students. His remarks to the class are not open to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend and should contact Kyle Kondik or Geoffrey Skelley to reserve space or seating.

Kaine entered politics in 1994, when he won a race for city council in Richmond. He later served as mayor of Richmond before being elected as Virginia's lieutenant governor in 2001 and as governor in 2005.


Legendary journalist Bob Schieffer to speak with U.Va. class

'Face The Nation' host scheduled to speak Monday


CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Acclaimed CBS News journalist Bob Schieffer will speak to students in Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class on Monday, March 4 at 3 p.m. at the Wilson Hall Auditorium, Room 402, on the University of Virginia grounds.

Schieffer will discuss his career in covering government and politics with the more than 400 students taking Sabato's course.

The event is hosted and sponsored by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Schieffer will give brief remarks to the class before answering questions from students. His remarks to the class are not open to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend and should contact Kyle Kondik or Geoffrey Skelley to reserve space or seating.

A journalist with more than a half-century of news experience, Schieffer serves as the chief Washington correspondent for CBS News and is the anchor and moderator of Face The Nation, the Sunday morning public affairs broadcast. He moderated presidential debates in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Schieffer is also a contributor to the Center for Politics' and Community Idea Stations' recently released documentary Out of Order, which explores gridlock in national politics. The 30-minute documentary is running on PBS stations in more than 180 markets across the United States.


Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling to speak with U.Va. class

Possible independent gubernatorial candidate scheduled to appear Monday


CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – As he ponders an independent bid for the Virginia governorship, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) will speak to students in Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class on Monday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Wilson Hall Auditorium, Room 402, on the University of Virginia Grounds.

Bolling will share his experiences and perspectives regarding government and politics with the more than 400 students taking Sabato's course. The lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate of Virginia during the annual state legislative sessions, is also expected to offer observations about the 2013 Virginia General Assembly, which is scheduled to adjourn this weekend.

The event is hosted and sponsored by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Bolling will give brief remarks to the class before answering questions from the students. His remarks to the class are not open to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend and should contact Kyle Kondik or Geoffrey Skelley to reserve space or seating.

Elected as Virginia lieutenant governor in 2005 and reelected in 2009, Bolling was initially a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2013 governor's race but suspended his bid in November 2012. He has not ruled out an independent run for the office and is expected to announce his intentions by the middle of March. Prior to becoming lieutenant governor, Bolling served in the Virginia Senate from 1996 to 2005.

The presumptive Republican nominee for governor, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, spoke to Prof. Sabato's class on Feb. 6, and the Democratic front-runner, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, is expected later in the semester.


Center for Politics' Documentary 'Out of Order' to Air Nationwide in Top Markets


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – Out of Order, a documentary produced by the University of Virginia Center for Politics and the Community Idea Stations exploring political gridlock in Congress, will air on more than 180 PBS stations across the country this month. The 30-minute documentary will reach many of the country's top markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Over the last generation, citizens have increasingly expressed discontent with national politics. Congressional approval ratings are dismally low as partisan gamesmanship seems to rule the day. Senior leaders have noted that the collegiality they shared in the past with peers of differing political ideologies has disappeared in this era of polarization. Is the art of debate and compromise lost on contemporary politics? Is it possible to restore civility to Congress, and should we try? And is Washington actually less civil than it was in previous generations?

Out of Order relies on interviews with prominent academics, journalists, political observers and senior (current and former) elected officials such as Sens. Susan Collins (R) and Mark Warner (D); former Sens. Evan Bayh (D) and John Warner (R); Bob Schieffer of CBS News; and Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato.

"The overwhelming reception from PBS stations across the country underscores the timeliness of this program relative to our nation," said John Felton, TV General Manager for the Community Idea Stations. "We are honored to work with our partners at the Center for Politics to bring this important topic into living rooms across the United States."

Out of Order airs on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 10:30 p.m. on WHTJ PBS in Charlottesville and WCVE PBS in Richmond.


VA Attorney General Cuccinelli to speak with U.Va. class

Republican gubernatorial nominee scheduled to appear Wednesday


CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the 2013 Republican gubernatorial nominee, will speak to students in Prof. Larry Sabato's Introduction to American Politics class on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. at the Wilson Hall Auditorium on the University of Virginia Grounds.

Cuccinelli will provide a first-hand perspective on American politics to the more than 400 students taking Sabato's class. The event is hosted and sponsored by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. The Attorney General will give brief remarks to the class before answering questions from the students. His remarks to the class are not open to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend and should contact Kyle Kondik or Geoffrey Skelley to reserve space or seating.

Elected as Virginia Attorney General in 2009, Cuccinelli became the Republican nominee for this year's gubernatorial race after he was the only candidate to file for the party's nomination convention in May. Prior to becoming Attorney General, Cuccinelli served in the Virginia Senate from 2002 to 2010. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

The front-runner for the Democratic nomination for governor, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, has committed to speak with the class later this semester.


YLI Instruction Director Meg Heubeck

K-12 Program Offers Civics Education Resources at No Cost!



First Out: 'Barack Obama and the New America'

New Book Taps Top Experts to Examine 2012 Election


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – As President Obama prepares for his second inaugural, the University of Virginia Center for Politics has released the first comprehensive analysis of the 2012 election. Barack Obama and the New America: The 2012 Election and the Changing Face of Politics, published by Rowman and Littlefield, brings together some of the nation's top academics, analysts and journalists to examine how Obama won a second term and what his victory might mean for the nation's political future.

"This is a book Democrats will love reading – but it's a book Republicans need to read," said Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics and editor of the book. "If Republicans don't understand the immediate past election, they are doomed to repeat it."

Featuring more than a dozen essays describing America's changing demographics, money and media in politics and the future of both political parties, among other topics, Barack Obama and the New America offers readers a comprehensive, in-depth examination of the forces that drove 2012.

Contributors include:

-Prof. Alan Abramowitz, Senior Columnist for the Center for Politics' Crystal Ball political newsletter and Emory University professor, on American political polarization;

-Prof. James Campbell of the University at Buffalo-SUNY, on the difficulty of defeating a first-term presidential incumbent in spite of a poor economy;

-Rhodes Cook, Crystal Ball Senior Columnist and longtime political analyst, on the future of the parties' presidential nominating system;

-Prof. Diana Owen of Georgetown University, on how media covered the campaign;

-Michael Toner, former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, on the campaign finance laws that governed a $6 billion campaign;

-Jamelle Bouie of The American Prospect, on the future of the Democratic Party, and Robert Costa of National Review, on the future of the Republican Party;

-Kyle Kondik and Geoffrey Skelley of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, on the cycle's down-ballot contests;

-Nate Cohn of The New Republic, on the country's changing demographics;

-Sean Trende of RealClearPolitics, on how this election fits into the nation's political history;

-Prof. Susan MacManus of the University of South Florida, on both sides' campaign strategies and tactics and what they tell us about future elections.

As part of the inauguration festivities, Prof. Sabato is scheduled to be part of several broadcasts on Monday, Jan. 21 to analyze the prospects for Obama's second term and to discuss the newly released book. He will be appearing on ABC News and Yahoo! News' live-streaming coverage of the inauguration at 9:45 a.m., followed by BBC television's special coverage from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (with the network's Katty Kay) and then concluding with an appearance on "Your World with Neil Cavuto" on Fox News at 4 p.m.

For more information on Barack Obama and the New America, visit the book's Amazon page or Rowman and Littlefield's website. A high-quality image of the book's cover is available for download here.

American Democracy Conference Dissects 2012 Election Results


(Charlottesville, VA) 11-28-12 | GEOFF SKELLEY

While the results of the Nov. 6 election are now history, scholarly discussions of their implications are just beginning.

To that end, the University of Virginia's Center for Politics hosted its 14th annual American Democracy Conference Wednesday in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom. The daylong event featured three panels discussing the 2012 election results and their ramifications, the future of the political parties, and matters of public policy.

The first panel focused on the election results.

For Democratic Party pollster Mark Mellman, the fundamentals ruled the day in the presidential race. Many political science models indicated that 2012 would be a close election, but that President Obama remained a slight favorite – and that outcome is exactly what happened.

But beyond the fundamentals, much attention was paid to the importance of the diverse electorate and the "Obama coalition" that played a key role in the president's re-election. Conservative commentator Fred Barnes said that he, like many Republicans, was amazed that the electorate proved to be so diverse once again.

The panelists reviewed many pollsters' underestimation of minority turnout in 2012, leading into a discussion of the Republican Party's failure with Hispanic voters; 71 percent of Latinos voted for Obama, according to exit polls.

Democratic strategist Maria Cardona predicted that simply changing the Republican Party's collective position on immigration would not be enough to end its struggles with Hispanic voters. The importance of the increasingly diverse electorate and how the GOP should respond to the new status quo was a theme throughout the day.

The day's second panel offered interpretations of what the changing demographics of the country mean for the future. Discussion turned to whether Republicans must significantly alter their positions to appeal to non-white groups, particularly Latinos.

"You've got to change the [Republican] brand," former Romney adviser Jim Perry said. But for him, "immigration reform nationally is not a cure-all." He emphasized that the GOP needs to do more at the state level to appeal to Hispanics. How different state parties handle upcoming bills similar to Arizona's immigration law will be an important factor in that effort.

Talk moved to what diversity means for the future of the parties. RealClearPolitics' Sean Trende asked the all-important question: "What we saw this year, is it the Obama coalition or the new Democratic coalition?"

Given poor Democratic performance in state and federal elections in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Trende was dubious that Obama's coalition would hold firm for another Democratic candidate in 2016.

Democratic political analyst Jamal Simmons agreed somewhat, arguing that there is no Democratic nirvana purely from demographics; candidates must forge individual relationships with voters.

Politico's Jonathan Martin predicted that Hillary Clinton would be tough to beat in 2016 because she could be capable of preserving the present Democratic coalition, while other prospective Democrat candidates might struggle.

George P. Bush, the nephew of former President George W. Bush and the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, gave the conference's midday keynote address.

Bush, a future politico to watch due to his name and the fact that he is half-Latino, also focused on the importance of Hispanic voters and how the GOP can better appeal to them.

He first laid out the circumstances surrounding the increasing role of Hispanics in American politics and how their marked population growth will only continue. A major problem for Republicans, he said, was Hispanic outreach, particularly in Latino media.

"President Obama outspent Romney by a factor of two-to-one. … From day one, there was more of a concentrated effort on [Obama's] side," Bush said.

He suggested the GOP could connect with Hispanics by appealing to their strong entrepreneurial spirit and religious faith.

The afternoon's final panel discussion turned to questions of policy, especially the fiscal cliff.

Robert Costa, a reporter at the conservative National Review, highlighted Obama's poor record of communicating with GOP officials on the Hill. He criticized Obama for heading out on a "fiscal cliff tour," stressing that it was indicative of the president's inability to hash things out with House Republicans.

Democratic strategists Kiki McLean and Joe Trippi disagreed and emphasized that the political world has changed. By appealing directly to the people through social media and other tools, Obama is "letting the people be his chief of staff," Trippi said.

Despite their disagreements, the panelists agreed that some deal would be made to avert the fiscal cliff.

Like every earlier panel, discussion again shifted to immigration reform. Panelists of all political stripes agreed that some sort of immigration reform would happen during Obama's second term because the GOP has recognized that it must move away from its previous hard-line position; the question, they said, is whether reform will take a macro or a piecemeal approach.

Center for Politics to host 14th Annual American Democracy Conference


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – On Nov. 28, the University of Virginia Center for Politics will host the 14th annual American Democracy Conference. The event will bring together leading journalists and political experts to examine the outcome of the 2012 election and what it means for the country, the parties, and public policy.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and take place in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. Confirmed speakers and panelists include Perry Bacon, Fred Barnes, Jamelle Bouie, George Prescott Bush, Carl Cannon, Maria Cardona, Kellyanne Conway, Robert Costa, Jonathan Martin, Kiki McLean, Mark Mellman, Jim Perry, Ed Rollins, Jamal Simmons, Sean Trende and Joe Trippi.

The conference will feature three panel discussions, each with audience question and answer sessions. The first panel will review the 2012 election results, focusing on what happened and why. The second will examine the political future of the country, particularly the prospects of the two major parties. The final panel will discuss the politics of policy as the fiscal cliff looms.

The event is free and open to the public with advance registration, and the press is invited to attend. For more information or to register, please visit http://hoosonline.virginia.edu/democracyconference.

Center for Politics Hosts South American Students as Part of Global Perspectives on Democracy Program


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — The University of Virginia Center for Politics is hosting students from Bolivia and Peru for a week-long program focused on youth leadership training and civic engagement.

During their stay, the program’s 24 students and four teachers will participate in a number of educational events and programs in the surrounding area. The students arrived in Charlottesville on Saturday.

Members of the media interested in this program are welcome to attend either of the following events:

  • Seminar with Professor Larry J. Sabato on American politics, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Jefferson Hall at the University of Virginia.
  • Visit to Monticello High School to meet with student leaders and compare school experiences, Thursday, Nov. 15, noon to 2:30 p.m.

The student visit is part of the Center’s Global Perspectives on Democracy (GPD) outreach effort and was organized in cooperation with World Learning and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This is the second high school group the Center has hosted as a part of its GPD program; it is part of a two-year project that runs through next year featuring two delegations from Argentina and Chile and another two from Bolivia and Peru.

Center for Politics, McIntire School to Host Mitch Feierstein for Discussion about Global Economy


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – The University of Virginia Center for Politics, in partnership with the McIntire School of Commerce, will host a presentation by Mitch Feierstein about his book Planet Ponzi. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 in Rouss/Robertson Hall, Room 120.

Examining the global financial crisis, Planet Ponzi discusses how politicians have stood by and watched the financial industry create a massive overhang of debt, a mountain of low quality assets and ultimately, an economic disaster which has dwarfed all others. The United States and the world face a series of broad problems: vastly excessive debt, regulatory failure, a culture of deceit on Wall Street and governments that have promised their citizens far more than they can deliver.

Mitch Feierstein is a highly successful hedge fund manager and CEO of the Glacier Environmental Fund Limited. Prior to this, he was Senior Portfolio Manager of the Cheyne Carbon Fund, part of one of the largest and most respected hedge fund groups operating in Europe. He divides his time between London and New York.

The presentation is free and open to the public with advance registration, and the media is also invited to attend. To register, visit http://hoosonline.virginia.edu/planetponzi.

Center for Politics' Documentary "Out of Order" to Premiere on Oct. 25


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – The University of Virginia Center for Politics and the Community Idea Stations have partnered to produce Out of Order, a 30-minute documentary exploring political gridlock and the decline in civil discourse in the U.S. Congress. The documentary will premiere on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 8:30 p.m. on WCVE PBS Richmond and WHTJ PBS Charlottesville.

Over the last generation, citizens have increasingly expressed discontent with national politics. Congressional approval ratings are dismally low as partisan gamesmanship seems to rule the day. Senior leaders have noted that the collegiality they shared in the past with peers of differing political ideologies has disappeared in this era of polarization. Is the art of debate and compromise lost on contemporary politics? Is it possible to restore civility to Congress, and should we try? And is Washington actually less civil than it was in previous generations?

Out of Order relies on interviews with prominent academics, journalists, political observers and senior (current and former) elected officials. The production features first-hand accounts by respected statesmen and women. Among the interviewees are Sen. Mark Warner (D), CBS News' Bob Schieffer, former Sens. John Warner (R) and Alan Simpson (R) and Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato.

Center for Politics Panel to Examine Cuban Missile Crisis


Panel includes Dr. Sergei Khrushchev, son of ex-Soviet premier


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – Fifty years after the world was brought to the brink of nuclear war, a panel will discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis, examining both the events that led to the dramatic episode as well as its aftermath and how it affected the Cold War.

University of Virginia Center for Politics Senior Historian Andrew M. Bell will moderate the panel of experts at the University of Virginia's Wilson Hall, Room 402, on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The panel is free and open to the public with advance registration. To register, visit www.centerforpolitics.org/cubanmissilecrisis.html. Members of the media are also welcome to attend.

Joining Dr. Bell for the discussion are panelists:

-Sergei Khrushchev – Senior Fellow, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University; son of former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev
-David Robarge – Chief Historian, Central Intelligence Agency
-Allen Lynch – Professor, Woodrow Wilson Dept. of Politics, University of Virginia
-Timothy McKeown – Professor, Dept. of Political Science, University of North Carolina
-Richard Reeves – Author of President Kennedy: Profile of Power

The panel is presented as part of the Center for Politics' Anniversary Series, which commemorates landmark political events in American history through public lectures, programs, television documentaries and teaching resources offered to a nationwide audience.

Center Scholar Paul Freedman Discusses Advertising During Election 2012






Center for Politics to celebrate Constitution Day with “James Monroe” & “John Marshall”


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — Historical performers portraying former President James Monroe and former Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall will discuss the Constitution on the Grounds of the University of Virginia on Monday, Sept. 17.

The program, which will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will be held at Old Cabell Hall. It is presented by the University of Virginia Center for Politics in recognition of Constitution Day, recognizing the anniversary of the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

Founding Fathers and Virginia natives, Monroe (portrayed by Dennis Bigelow) and Marshall, (portrayed by Mark Greenough) were leading figures during this formative period in American history. Monroe aligned himself with the Republican faction led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, while Marshall was a Federalist, associated with George Washington and John Adams. The two will discuss early American political arguments and take questions from students.

Members of the media and the general public are welcome to attend.

Center for Politics to Feature Virginia’s Presidents, Politics at Richmond Conference


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — The University of Virginia Center for Politics will hold the 14th annual Virginia Political History Project at the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond on Friday, June 22. The day-long conference will examine Virginia’s influence on presidential politics past and present.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the conference will start with a series of presentations by historical performers on each of Virginia’s eight presidents. From George Washington to Woodrow Wilson, the morning portion will showcase the Old Dominion’s historical role as the “Mother of Presidents.”

Following lunch, two panel discussions will explore Virginia’s place in presidential politics. First, at 1:30 p.m., Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato will moderate a panel examining the 2012 election and how Virginia, now a prominent swing state, will play a featured role in the presidential campaign. Scheduled participants are:

  • Christina Bellantoni, PBS NewsHour
  • Former Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA)
  • Jill Lawrence, National Journal
  • Jonathan Martin, Politico
  • Juan Williams, Fox News

Later, at 2:45 p.m., the second panel will feature Virginians who have served in the federal executive branch. Moderated by CBS News’ Wyatt Andrews, the panelists will provide an inside look into how Washington and the White House have worked dating back to Gerald R. Ford’s administration. Scheduled participants are:

  • Aneesh Chopra, former Chief Technology Officer, Obama Administration
  • Eugene Hickok, former Deputy Secretary of Education, Bush Administration
  • John Marsh, Jr., former Counselor the President, Ford Administration
  • Thurgood Marshall, Jr., former Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Cabinet, Clinton Administration
  • Louise Ware, former Executive Assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Clinton Administration

The conference is free and open to the public with advance registration. Lunch will be provided, and the press is invited to attend.

Mapping the United States, Politically Speaking


Reposted from Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball - http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/

U.Va. Center for Politics Crystal Ball Staff
June 7, 2012

Last week, Twitter user @chrishale7 asked NBC News political director Chuck Todd about making an electoral map showing the states by their population size, rather than just a straight geographic map, in order to better show the importance of the states in the Electoral College. Todd (@chucktodd) replied by suggesting that this was something we might like to take on.

Sure enough, we do love what we call the "political map of the United States." The University of Virginia Center for Politics (back then, it was the Center for Governmental Studies) released a political map of the United States after the 2000 election, which was created by former center staffer Josh Scott. We updated the map in 2004, and now we've tweaked it to reflect the 2010 census. The states are sized based on their populations.

The political map goes to show how divided the nation really is. Aliens from another planet might look at, say, the 2000 electoral map, in which George W. Bush won 30 states, and say that he romped in the election. But, of course, Al Gore's 20 states — and edge in the popular vote — meant that the Electoral College map didn't tell the full story of how close the election was. A political map, along the lines of what's below, gives a more accurate view of the electoral value of each state.

Below are two political maps: One shows the current state of play in the Electoral College, and the other color-coats the states by their most recent unemployment rate.

The political map is what politicians, their staffs and political consultants actually see when they look at the nation: swing states that stick out like big yellow thumbs surrounded by safely Red and Blue states both big and small.









Center for Politics to Host U.S.-Afghanistan Professional Partnership Program


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) - A delegation of government officials and civil society leaders from Afghanistan are beginning a three-week session today focused on the foundational principles of democratic governance as well as citizen participation and civic engagement in a democratic society.

This U.S.-Afghanistan Professional Partnership Program is part of the University of Virginia Center for Politics' international outreach program, Global Perspectives on Democracy, which was launched in 2009.

The 22 delegates are female officials from Afghanistan's Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court and a variety of civil society organizations.

Delegates will participate in lectures and presentations by prominent American legal scholars, jurists and political figures, including Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, Virginia Supreme Court Justice William Mims and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The group will also visit key sites related to the foundation of America's democracy at a time when Afghanistan is building its own democratic government.

They will participate in lectures at Virginia landmarks including Monticello, Montpelier, Jamestown and Williamsburg and make visits to Richmond, Virginia Beach and Shenandoah National Park.

While in Charlottesville, participants will receive hands-on experience through job shadowing at area nonprofit organizations. Class sessions will feature presentations by minority groups and dialogues on interfaith understanding.

The program is designed and run by the Center for Politics, as part of its Global Perspectives on Democracy program, in partnership with Relief International and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This is the third of four groups from Afghanistan that will participate in the program; two groups participated last summer, and one more will be arriving after this group departs.

Sabato and Crystal Ball Team Offer Analysis to University Students, Staff, Faculty and Charlottesville Community


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) - On Tuesday night, Professor Larry Sabato peered deep into his renowned Crystal Ball to examine the landscape of the 2012 election. But Sabato, the Robert Kent Gooch Professor of Politics and director of the University's Center for Politics, made it clear that it's much too early to make any concrete predictions.

"You can flip a coin," said Sabato, "and have as good a chance of knowing the outcome as we do right now."

The packed auditorium in Wilson Hall listened as Sabato laid out the strengths and weaknesses of President Barack Obama and his presumptive Republican challenger, Mitt Romney. He also discussed the unknowns that could greatly influence the outcome of the presidential election, such as an economic surge or another recession, or, in the realm of foreign policy, a conflict with Iran.

Examining the current state of the Electoral College, Sabato declared that there are "seven super swing states" that will decide the election. Among those key states is Virginia. Sabato told his audience to expect to be right in the middle of the presidential contest.

"After Labor Day, you won't able to turn on the TV without seeing an attack ad," the political pundit predicted.

Sabato and his Crystal Ball team also discussed the congressional races, saying that the Republicans would likely hold on to the House of Representatives while the Senate would be a closely fought battle, with a 50-50 outcome being a real possibility.

One of the most competitive Senate contests will be in Virginia, where former Governor Tim Kaine (D) hopes to stop former Senator (and U.Va. alumnus) George Allen (R) from recapturing his old seat. The Crystal Ball team highlighted that the most important factor in the race would probably be the "coattails effect," meaning that the party that wins the Old Dominion in the presidential race will very likely claim the state's Senate seat as well.

The program gave Sabato a chance to reiterate his motto that "Politics is a good thing." Sabato founded the Center for Politics in 1998 to promote the value of politics, improve civics education and increase civic participation through comprehensive research, pragmatic analysis and innovative educational programs. Tuesday night's presentation served as an opportunity to increase awareness about the specific issues and topics that will dominate the 2012 campaign season.

Center for Politics to Host South American Students as Part of Global Perspectives on Democracy Program


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.)—Students from Argentina and Chile will arrive at the University of Virginia Center for Politics on Saturday, March 24 to begin a week-long program focused on youth leadership training and civic engagement.

During their stay, the program’s 30 students and four teachers will participate in a number of educational events and programs in the surrounding area.

Members of the media interested in this program are welcome to attend any of the following events:
  • Visit to Monticello; Monday, March 26, 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Seminar with Professor Larry J. Sabato on American politics, Tuesday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jefferson Hall at the University of Virginia.
  • Visit to Monticello High School to meet with student leaders and compare school experiences, Wednesday, March 28, noon to 2:30 p.m.
  • Speech by Arun Chaudhary, former White House Videographer, Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rotunda Dome Room at the University of Virginia.

The student visit is part of the Center’s Global Perspectives on Democracy (GPD) outreach effort and was organized in cooperation with World Learning and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This is the first high school group the Center has hosted as a part of its GPD program; it is the opening exchange of a two-year project that will bring two delegations from Argentina and Chile and another two from Bolivia and Peru to conclude in fall 2013.

Following their stay in Charlottesville from March 24 through March 30, the students will depart for two-week home stays in Portland, Dallas and Kansas City.

Center for Politics' Youth Leadership Initiative Holds Super Tuesday Mock Election


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — The University of Virginia Center for Politics' Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) held its first-ever Super Student Day Mock Election leading up to the 2012 Super Tuesday primaries. Students from across the nation participated, contributing their opinions and voices before registered voters went to the polls on Super Tuesday.

Mock election polls opened on Thursday, March 1 and remained open though 7 p.m. Eastern time on March 5. The YLI Super Student Day Mock Election ballot included the Republican candidate for president, a race between the eventual Republican candidate and President Obama, a political ideology survey, a political party survey and an issues referendum. As in past years, teachers had the ability to customize ballots to meet the unique needs of their students.

The mock election is an excellent example of an activity that encourages lifelong civic engagement. "I get to have my first say in the world, and it all started in the classroom," said YLI student Dorothy Joyner on beginning her voting career with YLI's Super Student Day Mock Election. Her teacher, Hal Hankins of Albemarle High School, is one of the 50,000 registered YLI teachers with the ability to participate in the simulation.

Students from 37 states participated in the YLI Super Student Day Mock Election.

The youth voters' top Republican presidential pick was Mitt Romney, who took 28.7% of the vote. As for the general election, 42.5% of students said that they would vote for the Republican candidate while 40.4% said they would support President Obama.

The YLI Super Student Day Mock Election is not an accurate predictor of the general election outcome, nor is it a scientific poll, and it should be evaluated only as an educational tool for students. More than 9,200 students participated in this prototype mock primary election.

YLI will hold its National Mock Election in October during the lead-up to the 2012 national elections.

Center for Politics Goes Inside the 2012 Elections


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — As the Republican presidential race heads to a slate of potentially decisive contests on Super Tuesday the first week of March, the University of Virginia Center for Politics has gathered a group of top political experts to make sense of the political season ahead.

"Inside the 2012 Elections," which will be held Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Rotunda Dome Room, will examine the race for the Republican presidential nomination, President Obama's reelection chances and the battle for control of Congress. The panel of experts from both sides of the aisle will feature:

• Fred Barnes, executive editor of the Weekly Standard
• Glen Bolger, partner at Public Opinion Strategies
• Major Garrett, the White House correspondent for National Journal
• John Lapp, partner at Ralston Lapp Media
• Mark Mellman, CEO of the Mellman Group
• Leslie Sanchez, CEO of the Impacto Group

Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato will moderate the panel.

Center for Politics Delegation Returns from Afghanistan


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – After hosting two visiting delegations of Afghan women from high levels of government and civil society last summer, staffers from the University of Virginia Center for Politics traveled to Kabul where they reunited with the Afghan delegates of the U.S.-Afghanistan Professional Partnership Program exchange.

While attending the Center's program in Charlottesville, the delegates learned about the foundational principles of American democracy and civic engagement in a democratic society and participated in job shadowing opportunities throughout the city. The return portion of the exchange was organized by Relief International and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. While in Kabul, Irby and Heubeck met with government officials involved in women's affairs, the justice system and nonprofit organizations that focus on women and children's issues and civic engagement.

"While Afghanistan obviously has major hurdles to clear, there is a passion among many in the country for establishing a greater level of freedom and stability. In the U.S., the tragedies are what make the news, but significant progress is being made," Irby said.

"What will be integral to Afghanistan's future will be to develop a culture of civic engagement where citizens plan an active role in day-to-day decision making both in their communities and in the nation as a whole. They are taking the first steps to make that happen," Heubeck said.

Read an opinion piece published about this mission in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Center for Politics will host two additional Afghan delegations this spring.

YLI to host Super Student Day Mock Election!


The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is proud to announce that it is holding the first National Super Student Day Mock Election from March 1st through March 5th, 2012. All registered YLI teachers will be able to engage their students by allowing them to weigh in on the GOP Presidential primary. The event is planned to coordinate with Super Tuesday on March 6th in which ten states will hold primaries to determine the Republican candidate for president in 2012.

As this is a new program, YLI is offering a standard ballot for all states. The ballot will contain:

+ Race for GOP Presidential Candidate
+ Race between a possible GOP Candidate and President Obama
+ Survey on political ideology
+ Survey on issues important to the 2012 elections

Teachers have the opportunity to customize their ballot and the program is supported by online lesson plans, downloadable resources such as teacher and student instructions, and classroom lesson plans. All materials and programming are available FREE of charge to teachers registered with YLI. To register with YLI visit www.youthleadership.net

Educators already registered with YLI need only to login at www.youthleadership.net and click the Mock Election link from the Welcome page. The Getting Started tab will have all of the resources necessary to make voting in the National Super Student Day Mock Election a success.

YLI hopes this first National Super Student Day Mock Election will increase student interest in the election and engage students in American democracy. Have questions? Call toll-free 1.866.514.8389 or email ylihelp@virginia.edu for more information.

Get in the game with YLI's National Super Student Day Mock Election!

Director Larry Sabato to Match Gifts to the U.Va. Center for Politics


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – University of Virginia Center for Politics Director Larry Sabato has pledged to personally match gifts to the Center in an effort to raise $500,000 between now and December 31, 2011.

Sabato, the Robert Kent Gooch and University Professor of Politics, will match 100% of every contribution to the Center until the end of the year to reach the fundraising goal, for a maximum donation of $250,000.

The Center encourages donations of any amount, and reminds those whose companies provide charitable contribution matches that those gifts will have three times the power to improve the civic life of our nation.

Money raised will support the Center's many programs and initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Initiative, which provides civics education to students in all 50 states, and Global Perspectives on Democracy, which fosters citizen-to-citizen dialogue among the United States and other democratic societies around the world.

Former Sri Lankan President to Speak at University of Virginia Rotunda


(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – As a part of its Global Perspective on Democracy program, the University of Virginia Center for Politics will host former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Badaranaike Kumaratunga on Monday, Nov. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Dome Room.

As Sri Lanka's president from 1994 to 2005, Kumaratunga led the island nation through a trying period of civil war. The 26-year-long conflict between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels only concluded in 2009, marking the beginning of a new era for the nation. As the country moves forward, questions remain about pluralism, civic engagement and reconciliation in the aftermath of the civil war.

Registration for the event is now full, but members of the media interested in covering the event are welcome to attend.

The Center for Politics' Global Perspectives on Democracy (GPD) program is aimed promoting the exchange of democratic ideas and improvement of civic engagement, citizen participation and civil discourse around the world.

The visit by President Kumaratunga follows a series of official exchanges between the Center for Politics and Sri Lanka. In 2009, the Center hosted a visiting delegation of 18 young professionals from Sri Lanka who participated in a three-week internship program organized in partnership with Relief International and funded by the U.S. Department of State. As a reciprocal part of that program, Center representatives then traveled to Sri Lanka to conduct workshops on civic engagement, federalism, and new media applications. In June 2010 a second delegation from Sri Lanka spent four weeks learning about new media journalism, freedom of the press, pluralism, and civic engagement.