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Midwestern politics and the future of American democracy

Friday, September 20th, 6:00 PM

Wisconsin is seen as a pivotal state in this year’s election, but it and neighboring Minnesota have been political bellwethers for some time. In this session, Columbia University Professor Samuel Freedman, author of a new book about Hubert Humphrey and his leadership on civil rights in the 1940s, will be joined by Dan Kaufman, author of a history about the recent era of Republican domination in Wisconsin politics, to talk about the state of progressivism here and where it might be headed.

Panelists: Samuel Freedman, Dan Kaufman
Moderator: Dan Balz
Location: Shannon Hall, Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.
Tickets: VIP or General Admission

Other Sessions

One-on-one with Tommy Thompson

Wednesday, September 18th, 6:00 PM
John Nichols, Tommy Thompson
Tommy Thompson was Wisconsin’s governor for 14 years at the end of the 20th century, the longest-serving governor in the state’s history. He went on to serve in President George W. Bush’s cabinet and has seen the party change over time with the rise of Donald Trump. Thompson will talk with Cap Times associate editor John Nichols about the trajectory of both the party and Wisconsin just before the 2024 election.
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A conversation with Doris Kearns Goodwin

Wednesday, September 18th, 7:00 PM
Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Maraniss
Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of America’s most influential historians, shaping our national understanding about everything from the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson to baseball. Fellow Pulitzer Prize-winner David Maraniss will talk with her about her work, including her latest book about the turbulent 1960s.
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Why health equity matters in Wisconsin

Saturday, September 21st, 1:45 PM
Amanda Dreyer, Tiffany Green, Ken Loving, Michelle Robinson
Wisconsin has historically been recognized as a leader in healthcare, consistently ranked as one of the top states in the country for producing strong health outcomes. Yet, a parallel legacy of health inequities persists across the Badger State. Our expert panel will explore dimensions of the problem and solutions for how we achieve health equity for all.
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