CMC's Henry Salvatori Center for the Study of Individual Freedom will host "Public Opinion and American Democracy," a conference on Saturday, April 21, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Bauer Center.
Nationally prominent panelists include former U.S. Congressman James Rogan, columnist Michael Barone of U.S. News & World Report, USC Law School Professor and former Dukakis presidential campaign manager Susan Estrich, former Congressman Randy Tate of Voter.com, constitutional scholar Michael Uhlmann, Harvard Professor and Gore policy advisor Elaine Kamarck, and Claremont Institute fellow Matthew Robinson.
Spirited post-election calls to abolish the Electoral College and the contentious tumult of the Clinton impeachment bring the timeless question of public opinion to the forefront of public debate. The Salvatori Conference will bring together experts on both sides of several key issues and, in a rare post-election exchange, vocal impeachment critic Susan Estrich will confront former House Manager James Rogan. Michael Uhlmann, author of the 1970 Senate report opposing Electoral College reform, will revisit his arguments and professor Elaine Kamarck, a former Gore policy advisor, will discuss the increasing influence of media in American elections.
Salvatori Center Director Dr. Charles R. Kesler commented, "American democracy has constantly struggled to balance democratic consent with enlightened leadership." He added, "we are proud to host participants who have tackled this question firsthand." The conference will also feature former Christian Coalition head and Vice President of Voter.com Randy Tate on the rise of "internet democracy" as well as columnist Michael Barone and scholar Matthew Robinson on the power of mass media in politics.