Bob Schieffer, Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow, veteran CBS reporter, and former moderator of “Face the Nation,” discussed the media’s performance in covering the 2016 election and Donald Trump’s campaign, and looked ahead to the general election. Schieffer also discussed money in politics, the divide in the Republican Party between its leaders and base, the possibility of an indictment for Hillary Clinton, Obama’s legacy, and more. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on April 20, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.
The Shorenstein Center hosted a conversation with its Spring 2016 Joan Shorenstein Fellows:Johanna Dunaway, associate professor of communication, Texas A&M University; Joanna Jolly, South Asia editor and feature writer, BBC; Dan Kennedy, associate professor of journalism, Northeastern University; and Marilyn Thompson, deputy editor, Politico. Each fellow gave a preview of the work they conducted at the Shorenstein Center, and answered audience questions. Also featuring contributions from Bob Schieffer, the Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow. This Speaker Series event was recorded on April 19, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.
Shira T. Center, political editor for The Boston Globe, discussed media coverage of Donald Trump, as well as the relationship between Trump supporters and the press. Center described several factors that contributed to the media’s paradoxical coverage of Trump – characterized by an initial reluctance to view him as a serious candidate, while still providing seemingly constant coverage of him. Center also discussed The Boston Globe’s New Hampshire primary coverage, public reaction to the Globe’s fake front page about President Trump, the inner workings of Trump’s campaign and more.
Jo Becker, a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter for The New York Times, discussed Hillary Clinton’s role in the U.S. intervention in Libya, which she argues, ultimately contributed to destabilization in the region. Becker spoke about her recent New York Times series, focusing on Clinton’s decision-making process regarding intervention in Libya, an issue where her influence was "pivotal." Evaluating Clinton’s role as secretary of state is important since “it can tell you a little bit about how she would act as president,” said Becker. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on April 5, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.