UF's Graham Center brings national political leaders to speak Sept. 5

August 27, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two men who led national campaigns for the Republican and Democratic parties will meet Sept. 5 at the University of Florida to share insights into running a presidential campaign.

Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and Frank Fahrenkopf Jr., former chairman of the Republican National Committee, will speak on “The Parties and the Presidency” at 4 p.m. in the Ocora at Pugh Hall. The event is presented by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service and is the third event in the 2008 Presidential Lecture Series “The Path to the White House.” The discussion will be moderated by Michael Putney, political director of WPLG-TV news in Miami.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets may be picked up in advance at the Graham Center office, in Room 220 of Pugh Hall, or at the main entrance of Pugh Hall on the night of the event.

“This should be a very enlightening and engaging discussion,” said Mike Bowen, assistant director of the Graham Center. “In today’s political environment so much attention is focused on the candidates, but the two parties still play a very important role in the elections. Often, that is missed.”

The two participants have experience at the highest levels of political campaigning. Fahrenkopf chaired the RNC from 1982 through 1989 and oversaw the successful 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns for the GOP. McAuliffe led the DNC from 2001 until 2005 and has played a critical role in the 2008 elections as chairman of the Hillary Clinton for President committee.

“There are very few individuals out there who have managed national campaigns as these two men have,” Bowen said. “To have them both on stage at the same time, sharing their experiences and their take on the current election in an open and frank discussion, should be fascinating.”

The Graham Center for Public Service provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet policymakers and take courses in critical thinking, language learning and studies of world cultures. Its mission is to foster public leadership and solve issues related to the Americas and homeland security. It also serves as a magnet to attract distinguished scholars and speakers to Florida.