Let's Find Common Ground

Former Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin moderates a conversation with political experts David Crane, Bob Hertzberg, and Richard Leib on how California's tax structure compares nationally. They discuss whether the state's high revenue levels translate into effective public and private outcomes, and what reforms could better align fiscal policy with performance. CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan gives closing remarks. This conversation is part of CPF's "California at 175: Stuck or Moving Forward?" conference in partnership with the USC Open Dialogue Project and USC Casden Institute. Featuring: -David Crane: Co-Founder and President, Govern for California -Bob Hertzberg: Former Speaker, California State Assembly; Former Majority Leader, California State Senate -Richard Leib: Chair, Board of UC Regents; President and CEO, Dunleer Strategies -Ron Galperin: Former Controller, City of Los Angeles; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future

POLITICO's Melanie Mason moderates a conversation with political experts Douglas Becker, Susan Estrich, Ken Khachigian, and Hank Plante on the history of political parties in California, voter trends from the 2024 presidential election, how the "Trump factor" affects Democrats and Republicans, and the upcoming 2026 midterms. This conversation is part of CPF's "California at 175: Stuck or Moving Forward?" conference in partnership with the USC Open Dialogue Project and USC Casden Institute. Featuring: -Douglas Becker: Professor of International Relations, USC -Susan Estrich: Legal Expert; Political Strategist -Ken Khachigian: Aide to President Nixon; Chief Speechwriter for President Reagan -Hank Plante: Peabody and Emmy Award Winning Journalist; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Melanie Mason: California Bureau Chief and Co-Author of POLITICO's California Playbook

CPF's "California at 175: Stuck or Moving Forward?" conference begins with welcome remarks from CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy, CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan, and Neeraj Sood, USC Open Dialogue Project Director. Spring 2026 CPF Fellow Seema Mehta moderates a conversation with political experts Mike Bonin, Fernando Guerra, Mike Murphy, and Amy Thoma Tan on the 2026 ballot initiatives in California. They discuss the most impactful ballot measures in California history, how Democrats and Republicans utilize ballot initiatives, and the initiatives in the upcoming 2026 midterms. This conference is in partnership with the USC Open Dialogue Project and USC Casden Institute. Featuring: -Mike Bonin: Director, CSULA Pat Brown Institute; Former Member, Los Angeles City Council; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Fernando Guerra: Director, LMU Center for the Study of Los Angeles -Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future -Amy Thoma Tan: President, Cobalt Public Affairs -Seema Mehta: Veteran Political Reporter, Los Angeles Times; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future -Neeraj Sood: Director, USC Open Dialogue Project

CPF hosts a conversation with attorney and legal scholar Jonathan Turley and USC Professor Morris Levy about Turley's new book, "Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution." They discuss the crisis of faith in American institutions, how key lessons from history can guide us through today's radical reform and political instability, and how the state of politics today affects democracy and freedom in the future. This conversation is in partnership with the USC Open Dialogue Project and the USC chapter of the Heterodox Academy. Featuring: -Jonathan Turley: Attorney and Legal Scholar; Author, "Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution" and "The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in the Age of Rage" -Morris Levy: USC Professor of Political Science and International Relations; Immigration and Voting Policy Expert -Neeraj Sood: USC Open Dialogue Project Founder; USC Professor -Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future

Spring 2026 CPF Fellow Seema Mehta joins redistricting experts Christian Grose, Paul Mitchell, Matt Rexroad, and Amy Thoma Tan for a conversation on Prop 50, redistricting, and the future of representation in the United States. They discuss the history of redistricting, California's Proposition 50, Texas's redistricting bill, and how this influences political power, changing political norms, and the upcoming 2026 midterms. This conversation is part of Mehta's study group "Politics, Polls, and Punditry — the Inner Workings of Modern-Day Campaigns." Featuring: -Christian Grose: Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, USC; Director, Democracy and Fair Elections Lab at USC Dornsife -Paul Mitchell: Democratic Redistricting Strategist -Matt Rexroad: GOP Redistricting Strategist -Amy Thoma Tan: President, Cobalt Public Affairs -Seema Mehta: Veteran National & State Reporter, Los Angeles Times; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Diego Andrades: Assistant Director, USC Center for the Political Future

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins James Cleverly, former UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, for a conversation on the past, present, and future of US-UK relations. They discuss how leadership transitions, elections, and global crises shape cooperation between Washington and London, and what the next chapter of this transatlantic relationship may hold. This conversation is in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Featuring: - James Cleverly: British Conservative Politician; Member of Parliament for Braintree; Former UK Secretary of State for the Home Department; Former Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Education; Army Reserve Officer - Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Spring 2026 CPF Fellows Mark Campbell, Yemisi Egbewole, Garret Graves, and Seema Mehta for a discussion on the current state of politics today. They discuss the 2026 midterms, the Trump Administration's impact on the upcoming elections and media, ICE raids, and how the Democrats and Republicans are approaching the midterms. The conversation also explores the Fellows' study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service. Featuring: Mark Campbell: GOP Campaign Strategist; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Yemisi Egbewole: Former Chief of Staff and Advisor to the Biden White House Press Office; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Garret Graves: Former U.S. Representative (R-LA); Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Seema Mehta: Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

USC Annenberg Media Center Director Christina Bellantoni leads a panel discussion with political and media experts Mark Campbell, Jon Favreau, John Heilemann, and Seema Mehta on the 2026 midterms. They discuss what to expect as we approach the 2026 midterms, what Democrats and Republicans need to do to reach voters, and the political implications of the 2025 special elections on the 2026 midterms. The panel ends with closing remarks from CPF Director Bob Shrum and USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring: Mark Campbell: CEO and Founder, Intellz Inc.; Former Campaign Manager for Glenn Youngkin; Fellow, University of Chicago Institute of Politics; Political Director for Ted Cruz's 2016 Presidential Primary Campaign Jon Favreau: Co-Founder, Crooked Media; Host, Pod Save America; Former Chief Speechwriter for President Barack Obama John Heilemann: Chief Political Columnist & Host, Impolitic with John Heilemann, Puck; National Affairs Analyst, MS NOW Seema Mehta: Veteran National & State Reporter, Los Angeles Times Christina Bellantoni: Professor & Director, Annenberg Media Center, USC James Bullock: USC Dornsife Dean Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

POLITICO Enterprise Managing Editor Sasha Issenberg leads a panel discussion with political experts Jim DeBoo, Christian Grose, David Simas, and Amy Thoma Tan on redistricting and whether it's getting too partisan. They discuss the state of redistricting nationally, the California Prop. 50 results, and how the results impact Democrats and Republicans moving forward. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring: Jim DeBoo: Founder, DeBoo Strategic Affairs; Former Chief of Staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Christian Grose: Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, USC David Simas: Managing Director, Emerson Collective; Former President, Obama Foundation; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Amy Thoma Tan: President, Cobalt Public Affairs Sasha Issenberg: Managing Editor, Enterprise, POLITICO; Author, "The Engagement: America's Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage"

This panel discussion from CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" begins with welcome remarks from CPF Director Bob Shrum and USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim. Then CNN Anchor Elex Michaelson leads the panel discussion with political experts Mike Donilon, Ed Goeas, Jeffery Jenkins, and Richard North Patterson on the state of American democracy. They discuss how democracy drives voters, key lessons from history that are most helpful in today's political climate, and what to expect from Democrats and Republicans as we approach the 2028 presidential election. Featuring: Mike Donilon: Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden Ed Goeas: Pollster; Former President & CEO, The Tarrance Group; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Jeffery Jenkins: Provost Professor of Public Policy, Political Science, and Law, USC Richard North Patterson: Best-Selling Novelist; Commentator & Author, "America on the Precipice" Elex Michaelson: Anchor, CNN & CNN International Beong-Soo Kim: USC Interim President Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy leads a panel discussion with political and media experts Tad Devine, Shaniqua McClendon, Neera Tanden, and Raúl Torrez on whether Democrats can make a comeback. They discuss what Zohran Mamdani's electoral victory means for Democrats, the government shutdown, California Governor Gavin Newsom as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and the 2028 presidential election. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring: Tad Devine: Democratic Strategist Shaniqua McClendon: Vice President of Political Strategy, Crooked Media; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Neera Tanden: Former Domestic Policy Advisor to President Joe Biden Raúl Torrez: Attorney General, State of New Mexico Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist

CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" begins with welcome remarks from CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy, and William Deverell, USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences. Then Shrum talks with Dick Gephardt, former Democratic Leader for the U.S. House of Representatives, on how Democrats and Republicans in Congress can reach across the aisle to work together. Featuring: William Deverell: USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences Dick Gephardt: Former Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

For the 2025 USC Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy host a conversation on the 2025 election results and the latest political headlines. They discuss the 2025 California special election, 2025 New York City mayoral election, and analyze the election results across the nation and what it means for Democrats and Republicans. Featuring: Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy joins voting experts Mike Madrid, Chuck Rocha, and Helen Torres for a discussion on Latino voters, the fastest-growing voting bloc in the country. They discuss shifts in Latino voting patterns, what to expect from Latino voters in the upcoming elections, and how Democrats and Republicans can connect with the Latino voting community for the 2026 midterms and beyond. Featuring: Mike Madrid: Principal, Grassroots Lab; Co-Founder, Lincoln Project; Former Political Director, California Republican Party; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Chuck Rocha: President and Founder, Solidarity Strategies; Founder, Nuestro PAC & CAMPEONES PAC; Democratic Campaign Strategist Helen Torres: CEO, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE); Board Member, Public Policy Institute of California; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist

Hear young USC alumni discuss their work in the nonprofit field. What fueled their success? How do they raise money? What impact are their efforts having? These inspirational and educational stories come from students who took the USC Dornsife Toolkit course "Doing Good: How to Start and Run a Successful Nonprofit Organization" CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan serves as the proud moderator of his former students. Gain valuable insights into nonprofit career opportunities. Featuring: Laura Calero: Philanthropy Manager, Achieve Miami; Artist, USC Arts and Climate Collective; Former VP and Advocacy Chair, Challah for Hunger Keli'i Rubin: Program Coordinator, Berkeley Food Network; Ambassador, africActive Foundation; Former Intern at Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants; Pinole Valley Varsity Football Defensive Back Coach Sara Zuluaga Sierra: Humanitarian Aid Intern, Share a Meal; Former Volunteer, JusticeCorps; Former Treasurer and Social Chair of Progressive Christians at USC; former Assistant Director of the USC Undergraduate Student Government Assembly for Accessibility Brandon Tran: Cofounder/CEO, ChallengeUS; Advisory Associate, KPMG US; Former Senior VP, Institute for Youth in Policy; Deferred MBA Admit, Stanford Graduate Business School Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future

CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan joins gun safety activist Shannon Watts and environmental protection activist Benji Backer for a discussion on civic engagement, lessons from activism, and how to utilize your passion to enact social change. They discuss their books, how to work across the aisle to drive progress on causes, and how to build movements while reducing political polarization. This discussion is part of CPF's Dialogue Across Difference series. Featuring: - Benji Backer: CEO & Founder, Nature is Nonpartisan; Author of "The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future" - Shannon Watts: Founder, Moms Demand Action; Author of "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age" and "Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World;" Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future - Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins legal experts Franita Tolson, Jeffrey Toobin, and Alexander "Sasha" Volokh for a discussion on the role and state of the judiciary today. They discuss the role of the courts in safeguarding checks and balances, the James Comey indictment, and how Donald Trump and his administration affect the Supreme Court. This event was in partnership with the USC Gould School of Law. Featuring: Franita Tolson: Dean and Carl Mason Franklin Chair in Law at the USC Gould School of Law Jeffrey Toobin: Contributing Opinion Writer, The New York Times; Bestselling Author of "True Crimes and Misdemeanors," "The Oath," "The Nine," "Too Close to Call," "The Run of His Life" (made into the FX series The People v. O.J. Simpson), and "A Vast Conspiracy" Alexander "Sasha" Volokh: Associate Professor of Law, Emory University; Former Law Clerk for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Samuel Alito Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin for a talk on his new memoir, "Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense." They discuss Manchin's decision to become an independent, his public service and White House experiences, and the importance of bipartisanship today. This event, part of CPF's Jeff and Sue White Dialogue Series, was in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Featuring: - Joe Manchin: Former U.S. Senator from West Virginia - Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Fred Ryan, Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Center on Civility and Democracy, for a discussion on civility and the presidency. They discuss how past presidents bridged divides when working with political leaders they disagreed with, the importance of civility in today's political climate, and how political leaders influence the public and Congress. This event was in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. Featuring: Fred Ryan: Director, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Center on Civility and Democracy; Chairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute; Co-Founder, Politico; Former Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Assistant Director Diego Andrades joins voting experts Laura Brill, Jahnavi Rao, and Maddy Roth for a discussion on the forces reshaping how young voters approach civic life and democracy. They discuss Gen Z's voting patterns, strategies for reaching young voters, and how Democrats and Republicans can capture Gen Z voters. Featuring: Laura Brill: Founder & CEO, The Civics Center; Former Law Clerk for Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg Jahnavi Rao: President & Founder, New Voters Maddy Roth: Executive Director, I Am A Voter Diego Andrades: Assistant Director, USC Center for the Political Future Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy join Fall 2025 CPF Fellows Jim DeBoo, Frank Lavin, April Ryan, David Simas, and Helen Torres, for a discussion on the current state of politics today. They discuss the Trump Administration, Gavin Newsom and California politics, and the impact of Trump's tariffs, ICE raids, and redistricting efforts. The conversation also explores the Fellows' study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service. Featuring: -Jim DeBoo: Founder, DeBoo Strategic Affairs; Former Chief of Staff to Gavin Newsom; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Frank Lavin: Former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -April Ryan: Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -David Simas: Managing Director, Emerson Collective; Former President, Obama Foundation; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Helen Torres: CEO, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE); Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife -Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist

Discover the power of young leaders changing the world through nonprofits! USC alumni share their incredible journeys in the nonprofit sector and reveal what it really takes to make a difference. CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan joins nonprofit leaders for a conversation packed with invaluable advice and real-world stories. From raising funds to navigating career paths, these leaders open up about their challenges, triumphs, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Featuring: Teya Hisel: Former Policy Manager, Downtown Women's Center; Founder, advocaSC; Incoming MSW Student, U Chicago Joanna Maniti: Founder/CEO, Cherish Hearts International; Former Director of Communications, Girls in Tech, USC Taylor Ryan: Intern, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Founder, Team Sabrina Inc.; Masters in Social Entrepreneurship, USC Class of 2025 Ava Sanchez: Account Coordinator, JCI Worldwide; Former Fellow, Coro Southern California; Founder/Mentor, Ava Edits Essays Kira Sano: Founder/Executive Director, KiraKira; Consultant, Upwork; Director, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network Kayla Williams: Founder, Little Bucketz basketball camp; Former Guard, USC Women's Basketball Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Instructor, USC Distinguished Leaders Program

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Paulist Productions Vice President Father Tom Gibbons and USC Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies President Richard Wood for a discussion on the politics of the conclave to select Pope Francis' successor. They discuss how the next Pope will be selected, what are the political calculations involved in the selection process, and how the Catholic Church under new leadership could and should influence the world. Featuring: Father Tom Gibbons: Catholic Priest; Vice President, Paulist Productions; Creator of the TV program "Isaac Hecker and the Journey of Catholic America"; Former Administrator of St. Peter's Church in Toronto, Canada Richard Wood: President of the USC Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies; Expert in religion and democracy; Author of "A Shared Future: Faith-Based Organizing for Racial Equity and Ethical Democracy" and "Faith in Action: Religion, Race, and Democratic Organizing in America" Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins renowned foreign policy experts Ben Rhodes and Max Boot for a discussion on pathways to peace in the Middle East. They discuss the current conflicts in the Middle East, the prospects of a two-state or single state solution, the future of Gaza, and the role of the U.S. in ending the conflicts and fostering a peace process. This event is part of the CPF "Combating Antisemitism and Other Forms of Hatred" series. Featuring: Max Boot: Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations; Author of New York Times Bestsellers "The Road Not Taken" and "Reagan: His Life and Legend" Ben Rhodes: Former Deputy National Security Advisor; Co-founder and Co-chair of National Security Action; Host of Crooked Media's "Pod Save the World"; Author of "After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made"; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Bill Deverell: USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Science Beong-Soo Kim: USC Interim President; Senior Vice President and General Counsel, USC

USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability Director Joe Árvai joins former U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm for a discussion on how to move forward with climate change and energy issues under the Trump administration and how Democrats and Republicans can help push climate action forward. This discussion is part of the Climate Forward conference in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Featuring: Jennifer Granholm: Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and First Female Governor of Michigan; One of Time's Most Influential People 2024 Joe Árvai: Director, USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and former U.S. Representative Garret Graves (R-LA) for a discussion on the state of climate policy under the Trump administration and how Democrats and Republicans can cooperate to tackle climate change issues. This conversation is part of the Climate Forward conference in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Featuring: Barbara Boxer: Former U.S. Senator (D-CA) Garret Graves: Former U.S. Representative (R-LA) Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins media experts, Martin Gurri, Adam Nagourney, and Gordon Stables, for a discussion on how the changing media landscape has contributed to global populist trends. They discuss the transformation of the media landscape, the role of the elites in the media and politics, and media's impact on the state of democracy globally. Featuring: Martin Gurri: Former CIA Analyst; Author of "The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium" Adam Nagourney: National Political Reporter for The New York Times; Author of "The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn and the Transformation of Journalism" and "Out for Good: The Struggle to Build a Gay Rights Movement in America"; Fall 2019 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future Gordon Stables: Director, USC Annenberg School of Journalism Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins immigration experts, Andrew Arthur, Steven Davis, Deisy del Real, Ed Goeas, and Ehsan Zaffar, for a discussion on the future of immigration policy. They discuss the current immigration system and policies, amnesty, immigrant's contribution to the U.S. economy, and immigration reforms possible in today's political climate. We are immensely grateful to Sue and Jeff White for launching this nonpartisan dialogue series at USC. Featuring: Andrew Arthur: Resident Fellow in Law and Policy at Center for Immigration Studies Steven Davis: Senior Fellow and Director of Research at the Hoover Institution, Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) Deisy del Real: International Migration Scholar; USC Assistant Professor of Sociology Ed Goeas: Republican Pollster and Strategist, Spring 2025 Fellow; USC Center for the Political Future Ehsan Zaffar: Professor at ASU's College of Law; Executive Director, The Difference Engine; Civil Rights Attorney Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci for a discussion on current events and the first month of the second Trump administration. They discuss the state of the Republican and Democratic parties, the impact of Trump's domestic and international actions, and even touch on Bitcoin. Featuring: · Anthony Scaramucci: Former White House Communications Director; Founder & Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital; Founder of SALT; Author of four books · Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins bestselling author and CNN Chief Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin for a discussion on presidential pardons and Toobin's new book "The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy." They discuss famous pardons throughout history and the latest pardons from Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Featuring: Jeffrey Toobin: CNN Chief Legal Analyst; Bestselling author of "True Crimes and Misdemeanors," "The Oath," "The Nine," "Too Close to Call," "The Run of His Life" (made into the FX series The People v. O.J. Simpson), and "A Vast Conspiracy" Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

Author Sasha Issenberg joins political and media experts, Jane Coaston, Reince Priebus, Simon Rosenberg, and Chuck Todd, for a conversation on what to expect during Donald Trump's second term as president. They discuss Trump's first actions as president, his influence on politics, how the Democratic Party has changed over time, and how politics is always shifting. This discussion is part of the Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "The Trumping of America: Why and What's Next?" in partnership with POLITICO, PBS' "Firing Line with Margaret Hoover," and C-SPAN. Featuring: Sasha Issenberg (Moderator): Groundbreaking Author on Modern Campaigns & Marriage Equality Jane Coaston: Journalist; CNN Contributor; Host of Crooked Media's "What A Day" Reince Priebus: Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee Simon Rosenberg: Political Strategist; Author/Creator of Hopium Chronicles Chuck Todd: Chief Political Analyst, NBC News

Democratic Strategist Tad Devine joins political and polling experts, Dale Butland, John Della Volpe, Mike Madrid, Carissa Smith, and Stephanie Young, for a conversation exploring how Kamala Harris and Democrats performed during the 2024 general election. They discuss the Democratic Party's messaging, how candidates connected—or didn't—with key voting demographics, and what polling revealed about voters. This discussion is part of the Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "The Trumping of America: Why and What's Next?" in partnership with POLITICO, PBS' "Firing Line with Margaret Hoover," and C-SPAN. Featuring: Tad Devine (Moderator): Chief Strategist, Bernie Sanders' 2016 Presidential Campaign Dale Butland: Democratic Strategist; Former Press Secretary and Ohio Chief of Staff for US Senator John Glenn John Della Volpe: Author; Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Mike Madrid: Latino Pollster and Voting Expert; Author of "The Latino Century" Carissa Smith: Former Senior Public Engagement Advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement Stephanie Young: Former Deputy Assistant to President Biden; Senior Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris

FOX 11 News Anchor Elex Michaelson leads a panel of political and media experts to examine why and how Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. They discuss Trump's and Kamala Harris' campaign strategies and messaging, and how the Democratic and Republican parties reached voters. This discussion is part of the Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "The Trumping of America: Why and What's Next?" in partnership with POLITICO, PBS' "Firing Line with Margaret Hoover," and C-SPAN. Featuring: Elex Michaelson (Moderator): FOX 11 News Anchor; Host of California's Statewide Political Talk Show "The Issue Is" Chris Cadelago: POLITICO's California Bureau Chief; Former White House Correspondent Ed Goeas: Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin: Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jessica Millan Patterson: Chairwoman of the California Republican Party

CPF is proud to announce that our "The Bully Pulpit" podcast and the Common Ground Commtitee's "Let's Find Common Ground" podcast are now merged into one powerhouse program. The new "Let's Find Common Ground" podcast brings together America's leading politicians, strategists, journalists, and academics from across the political spectrum for in-depth discussions where we respect each other, and we respect the truth. CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Common Ground Committee Co-Founder and former CEO Erik Olsen to discuss the merger and what to expect from future podcast episodes. Featuring: Erik Olsen: Co-Founder and Former CEO, Common Ground Committee Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Spring 2025 CPF Fellows to USC for a virtual discussion of Donald Trump's inauguration and what a second Trump term may look like. The conversation features: Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Ed Goeas – Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin – Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jonathan Martin - Senior Political Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO Anthony Rendon – Former Speaker of the California State Assembly Cameron Trimble – Former White House Director of Digital Engagement; Founder of Hip-Politics

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Tad Devine (Chief Strategist, Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign) and Steve Grand (Republican political consultant) to discuss the 2024 presidential election results and which issues mattered the most for Democrats and Republicans and third party voters. In partnership with the USC Capital Campus and USC Price Center for Inclusive Democracy. Featuring: · Tad Devine: President, Devine Mulvey Longabaugh Media; Chief Strategist, Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign · Steve Grand: Republican political consultant; Cofounder and President of Wilson Grand Communications · Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Todd Purdum (author; former New York Times Washington Correspondent), David Simas (former CEO of the Obama Foundation), and Carissa Smith (former Senior Public Engagement Advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement) for a discussion on the 2024 election campaign strategies and what to expect on Election Night. They discuss the candidates' closing messages, how the race looks according to the polling data, and how each candidate will likely close their campaign. Featuring: - Todd Purdum: Author; Former New York Times Washington Correspondent; Former National Editor for Vanity Fair; Spring 2022 CPF Fellow - David Simas: Former CEO of the Obama Foundation; Former Director of the Office of Political Strategy & Outreach under the Obama Administration - Carissa Smith: Former Senior Public Engagement Advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement; Fall 2024 CPF Fellow - Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins His Royal Highness Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran, for a discussion on democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East at a critical moment in the region's history. Featuring: - Reza Pahlavi: Crown Prince of Iran; USC Alum ('85) - Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife - Moh El-Naggar: USC Dornsife Interim Dean

Election 2024: Where Are We Now? CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Jane Coaston, journalist and CNN contributor, and David Simas, former CEO of the Obama Foundation, for a discussion on how the 2024 election looks with less than two weeks to go. They discuss how each candidate is performing in the polls, the importance of the presidential debate, and each campaign's strategy and messaging. Featuring: - Jane Coaston: Journalist; CNN Contributor; Lead Host of Crooked Media's Daily News Show "What A Day"; Fall 2024 CPF Fellow - David Simas: Former CEO of the Obama Foundation; Former Director of the Office of Political Strategy & Outreach under the Obama Administration - Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF hosts a panel discussion on "Experiencing Hatred: True Stories to End Hate and Educate" as part of our "Combating Antisemitism and Hatred Series." The series explores the struggle against antisemitism in the context of countering hate, reducing violence, promoting empathy, and nurturing civil dialogue. Featuring: Jeff Blattner: US Department of Justice Deputy Assistant Attorney General; Former Judiciary Committee Chief Counsel for Sen. Edward Kennedy; Fall 2024 CPF Fellow Rob Eshman: Contributing Editor of The Forward; Former Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Journal Ron Galperin: Former Controller and CFO for the City of Los Angeles; Former CPF Fellow Aziza Hasan: Executive Director, Muslim Jewish New Ground; Former member of President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Todd Levinson: Host of "Healing Race" podcast; Producer at MainStream Nation Aaron Nir: CEO of Sanei International; CPF Board of Councilors Member Pedro Noguera: Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education Marylouise Oates: Novelist, Activist, Former LA Times Journalist Dov Wagner: Rabbi and Director of the USC Chabad Jewish Center Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, Center for the Political Future

CPF Director Bob Shrum and Marylouise Oates, former activist and LA Times journalist, join former First Lady staffers Anita McBride, Noelia Rodriguez, and Tina Tchen for a discussion on the influence of presidential First Ladies on politics, policy, and American society. Featuring: Anita McBride: Former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush Noelia Rodriguez: Former Press Secretary and Director of Communications for First Lady Laura Bush; Former CPF Fellow Tina Tchen: Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Impact Officer for the Obama Foundation; Former Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama Marylouise Oates: Former Activist and LA Times Journalist who covered First Ladies Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy share their reactions on the historic presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and the implications for the 2024 presidential election. They discuss who won, how their debate performance helps or hurts their campaigns, and voters' reactions to their messaging. Featuring: Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy: Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst

CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy join Fall 2024 CPF Fellows, Jeff Blattner, Mike Bonin, Jane Coaston, Lea Endres, and Carissa Smith, for a discussion on recent political trials, the historic presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, and how the 2024 presidential race is shaping up. Featuring: Jeff Blattner: Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for U.S. DOJ Mike Bonin: Former LA City Councilmember Jane Coaston: Journalist and CNN Contributor Lea Endres: Co-Founder and CEO of NationBuilder Carissa Smith: Former White House Senior Public Engagement Officer Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy: Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst

This episode makes a powerful case for compromise and pragmatism as crucial ingredients in passing laws and getting things done. Our guests are Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, who are both members of the Problem Solvers Caucus: 62 Members of Congress, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Although you wouldn't know it from national media coverage, The Problem Solvers meet frequently when Congress is in session to discuss bipartisan legislation. They're often successful in moving bills forward. We hear a substantive, compelling, personal conversation with two lawmakers who work together and put country before party. We first recorded our conversation nearly four years ago. Despite their party labels they agree with each other much more than you might think.

Almost everyone has an opinion about public education, especially in the years since the COVID pandemic when the physical closure of schools and online schooling became highly controversial. The vast majority of American students attend public school, but the numbers are falling, partially because of growing financial support for school choice and the changing views of many parents. According to a Gallup poll last year, nearly two-thirds of Americans were dissatisfied with the quality of education students receive in kindergarten through 12th grade. In this podcast episode, we bring together two respected education leaders with different views about public schooling. Becky Pringle was a middle school science teacher for three decades, and is now President of the NEA - The National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union. Gisele Huff is a philanthropist, expert on education reform, and a longtime supporter of school choice and charter schools.

Abortion is one of the most passionate, divisive, and emotional issues in the 2024 election campaign. The debate is often dominated by extremes on both sides. But what if passionate pro-life and pro-choice movement leaders could get together in the same room and learn how to disagree better? That is exactly what happened in Massachusetts, beginning in the mid 1990's. Leaders on both sides held secret discussions over the course of several years . These wrenching conversations began in the mid 1990's at a very difficult time— after two women were murdered by an anti-abortion extremist in Brookline, Massachusetts. We hear from The Reverend Anne Fowler, an Episcopal Priest who served on the board of directors for the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and lawyer Fran Hogan, who's been President of Women Affirming Life. They're among the six women profiled in the 2023 documentary, "The Abortion Talks". This interview was first published last year.