Common Ground Committee

12/18/2024

11/27/2024

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) hosted a panel discussion on "Experiencing Hatred: True Stories to End Hate and Educate" as part of their "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.

11/19/2024

Whoa, what just happened? After a thrilling Election Night, what should the American people expect next? Who were the real winners and losers? What took voters by surprise? Whether you’re a political ju**ie or just curious about the future of our democracy, you won’t want to miss this in-depth analysis on this culmination of months-long campaigns, historical political moments, and unexpected twists. Join the USC Center for the Political Future on Tuesday, November 19 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PT in TCC 227. In partnership with the USC Capital Campus and the USC Price Center for Inclusive Democracy. FREE dinner provided.

CPF Director and legendary Democratic political strategist Bob Shrum will moderate a panel of political experts including:

Ron Christie, President & CEO of Christie Strategies; Former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush & Former Deputy Assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney

David Simas, Former CEO of the Obama Foundation; Former Director of the Office of Political Strategy & Outreach under the Obama Administration

Tad Devine, President, Devine Mulvey Longabaugh Media; Chief Strategist, Bernie Sanders' 2016 Presidential Campaign

11/14/2024

Ukraine is in the crosshairs of politics, domestically and globally. What is the current status of this war, and what does the future hold for the Ukrainian people? This program will unravel the current situation on the ground, US political sentiments and challenges, Russia’s threats to the region, its cozy relationship with some American leaders, and more. Our speakers will address the now, options, and future for Ukraine.

11/13/2024

11/12/2024

We’re bringing back a trusted friend to consider how we might think and act anew in the days, weeks and years after the election.
Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Tuesday, November 12 from 7-8:30pm EST.
Learn more at https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/one-step/
Register at https://monicaguzman.eventbrite.com/ - tickets are free!
As we contemplated who we might invite for this post-election UNUM gathering, we were (temporarily) flummoxed. A week after the election would we be in need of an expert in election law, a therapist or an exorcist? Could we just place all three on speed dial?
Then we realized that no matter what happens during – and after – the 2024 election, there will undoubtedly be some BIG feelings about it, so our task on November 12th is utterly clear even now: we’ll need to take one step closer to each other. That journey has a sherpa, and her name is Mónica Guzmán. Mónica is the friend you’ll want for that post-election drink, the one you can let your hair down with to just talk it all through. We also couldn’t think of a better election season read (or re-read) than her book “I Never Thought of it That Way” — check it out below.
You’re welcome. (Thank us by taking one step closer to someone you know — now. And then another step.)
This program is part of the UNUM: Democracy Reignited series in partnership with Florida Humanities, which explores the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests in our lives.
About The Village Square: Founded 18 years ago in Tallahassee, The Village Square is building the town hall of the 21st century across societal divisions that are tearing communities apart.

10/30/2024

What, exactly, is our problem?

Author Tim Urban, known for his extended riff on procrastination in his endlessly wise, sidesplittingly funny, stick-figure illustrated Wait But Why blog, emerged from a 6-year deep think with an answer that has the power to save humanity (from itself).

In Urban’s analysis, the primitive mind is a furry orange monster holding a burning torch, big dumb looking genies called golems roam the land — and we’re going to need a resurgence of rival genies to save us.

10/24/2024

Understanding the complexities of immigration, including its emotional impact, is vital for forming effective policies, a sentiment most Americans echo. Evaluating historical US immigration policies and their current implications, and determining the best future direction is key. Consideration of our current stance and the path forward is essential. Key considerations include designing an effective border or asylum system and potential immigration scenarios under a Trump or Harris administration.

10/24/2024

The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future is honored to host His Royal Highness Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran to a Zoom conversation about democracy in the Middle East on Thursday, October 24 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

The Crown Prince, a proud USC alum (‘85), and his wife, Princess Yasmine Pahlavi, are fierce advocates for a secular Iran that respects the rights of women and champions freedom and democracy for all. His Royal Highness, in conversation with USC Center for the Political Future Director Bob Shrum, will share his vision for peace and prosperity in the Middle East at a critical moment in the region’s history. Dornsife Dean Moh El-Naggar will make opening remarks.

We are proud to host the last heir to the throne of Iran for this virtual event.

10/23/2024

Join our rebroadcast of the USC event exploring the role of presidential spouses!

10/16/2024

The presidency may be determined by razor-thin margins in swing states this November. Voters from groups traditionally less likely to turn out – such as non-college-educated individuals, low-income Americans and voters of color – could play a pivotal role in the outcome.

Join us live with your questions for our panel who will explore the key issues driving engagement among these underrepresented voters, the challenges they may face, such as voter suppression and misinformation, and their potential impact on swing state results.

Moderated by Jane Coaston, contributing opinion writer, The New York Times; fellow, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future

With:

Mike Madrid, political consultant; author, “The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy;” fellow, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future

Eugene Scott, host, Axios Live; former national political reporter, The Washington Post

10/15/2024

What’s Our Problem? Self-help for societies.
Golems, rival genies and why we may be frittering away our lives as moths circling the porch light.
Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Tuesday, October 15 from 7-8:30pm EST (it's FREE!)
Learn more at https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/tim-urban/
Register at https://timurban.eventbrite.com/
What, exactly, is our problem?
Author Tim Urban, known for his extended riff on procrastination in his endlessly wise, side-splittingly funny, stick-figure illustrated Wait But Why blog, emerged from a 6-year deep think with an answer that has the power to save humanity (from itself).
In Urban’s analysis, the primitive mind is a furry orange monster holding a burning torch, big dumb looking genies called golems roam the land — and we’re going to need a resurgence of rival genies to save us.
Now which one of you has anything more fascinating to tend to on October 15th? We thought not.
This program is part of the UNUM: Democracy Reignited series in partnership with Florida Humanities, which explores the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests in our lives.
About The Village Square: Founded 18 years ago in Tallahassee, The Village Square is building the town hall of the 21st century across societal divisions that are tearing communities apart.

10/03/2024

What are the legacies and impacts of presidential spouses who occupy the East Wing? How do First Ladies influence our nation? Will Melania Trump become First Lady again? Will Doug Emhoff become the first ever First Gentleman? Join the USC Center for the Political Future for an in-depth conversation about the influence of presidential First Ladies on politics, policy, and American society.

CPF Director Bob Shrum will moderate this discussion between featured panelists:

Anita McBride - Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University; former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush (2005-2009); Former Director of White House Personnel under presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush

Noelia Rodriguez - Chief of Staff at Metrolink; Former Press Secretary and Director of Communications for First Lady Laura Bush; Former Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles

09/25/2024

But for these middle school friends, that’s where the agreement ends.

Listen to their discussion on the Citizen Connect featured partner livestream series!

09/19/2024

Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Thursday, September 19th from 7-8:30pm EST.
Berny and Geston both love their country, and each other. But for these dear friends, that’s where the agreement ends.
Friends since middle school, Berny and Geston are both children of Haitian political refugees who fled political instability that put their families at risk – with Geston’s parents arriving a little earlier than Berny’s. Despite their friendship and shared family immigration story, they have reached very different conclusions about politics and social issues in the United States today.
What Berny and Geston have found in the space and differences between them, we believe, has a lot to teach the country they both dearly love. In the lead-up to a contentious presidential election, it seemed like the perfect time to get to know these “frenemies” — and consider what we might be getting wrong about each other.
Berny is a former assistant state attorney named among “30 under 30 rising stars in Florida politics” and is now a Florida State Representative. Geston shares his message as a pastor and through song as part of the group Committed.
Learn more about the program online at http://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/frenemies/.
This program is part of the UNUM: Democracy Reignited series in partnership with Florida Humanities, which explores the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests in our lives.
About The Village Square: Founded 18 years ago in Tallahassee, The Village Square is building the town hall of the 21st century across societal divisions that are tearing communities apart.

09/12/2024

On September 10 ABC News hosts the first and perhaps only debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Join the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Director and Co-Director Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy Thursday, September 12 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. as they share their reactions to this historic presidential debate. Which candidate won? Will their debate performances help or hurt their campaigns? Did the debate rules benefit either candidate? Get answers to these questions and YOUR questions during the always fun and lively exchanges between Shrum and Murphy.

Bob Shrum has worked as a speechwriter for iconic Democratic politicians such as Ted Kennedy, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and John Kerry. Mike Murphy has advised top-tier Republican politicians including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeb Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney. As rivals and political insiders who lead USC's Center for the Political Future, their mission is to bring fact-based civil discourse to politics.

Whether you are a political enthusiast, a student of public discourse, or simply curious about the debate's outcomes, this event promises to offer a thoughtful perspective on the implications for the upcoming election.

09/10/2024

Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Fall 2024 CPF Fellows to USC for the first time to discuss recent political trials, debates, and the 2024 election. Join us on Zoom Tuesday, September 10 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST for insightful civil disagreement over what’s been happening in current events and the run up to the 2024 election. The conversation will also explore the Fellows’ study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service.

CPF Fellows are prominent political professionals who are invited by CPF to lead study groups for USC students. They hold office hours, host lunchtime discussions, bring in guest speakers, and participate in high-profile events and conferences throughout the year. These resident Fellows expose students to a wide array of perspectives, broadening and challenging their understanding of government while strengthening civil dialogue on campus and within the community.

08/28/2024

Join the discussion as you view today's featured broadcast with The Village Square!