Experts in the News

Topic
National Journal

The women on Biden’s VP shortlist have changed the game

Abrams told Elle Magazine that she would “be an excellent running mate.” When Rachel Maddow asked Sen. Elizabeth Warren whether she would accept if Biden offered her the position, she said yes, adding that she’s “in this fight to help in any way that I can.” Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice told PBS that she would also “certainly say yes” if asked. “That struck me as an interesting twist,” said Jennifer Lawless, the Commonwealth Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, referring to the open audition to be vice president. “We haven’t seen that from a woman or a man.”
Jennifer Lawless
Politico

Trump keeps his staff in flux with White House musical chairs

“When you are constantly switching parts in and out, the whole operation does not function as well,” said Chris Lu, a White House Cabinet secretary under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. “The more you do something, the better you get at it, and you also understand how all of the pieces fit together.”
Chris Lu
Transition Lab

Planning for a President’s Second Term

Professor Michael Nelson, an expert on the American presidency, joins Transition Lab to discuss the political dynamics that define a president’s first and second term. Nelson explains how new presidents can maximize their impact during their first year in office and outlines the challenges two-term presidents face during their fifth year.
Michael Nelson
Primaries

Primaries and primary reform

Is the U.S. presidential primary system really the best way to choose a nominee? Are we too reliant on campaign cash and media coverage? A renowned panel of political experts answers these questions and talks about incumbency, party politics, and primary reform.
Jennifer Lawless