Warschaw Conference 2025: "Is Reaching Across the Aisle Now A Reach Too Far?"

Описание: USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) presents the annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

CPF's annual Warschaw Conference brings together top experts from politics, government, media, and academia to explore the most pressing issues in America's political landscape. This year's conference explored what’s ahead in politics, including the 2026 midterms, Trump’s first year in office, and whether Democrats can make a comeback.

Panel 1: "Is Reaching Across the Aisle Now A Reach Too Far?"

The conference began with welcome remarks from CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy, and William Deverell, USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences. CPF Director Bob Shrum moderated a conversation with Dick Gephardt, former Democratic Leader for the U.S. House of Representatives, on how Democrats and Republicans in Congress can reach across the aisle to work together. They discussed political polarization, today’s political climate, and how to bridge partisan divides to reach solutions.

Featuring:
Dick Gephardt: Former Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
Bob Shrum (Moderator): CPF Director; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

Learn more about the Center: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-p...
Learn more about this event: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/warsch...

Timestamps:
0:00:00-0:02:08 - Welcome Remarks by CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy
0:02:08-0:04:53 - Welcome Remarks by William Deverell
0:04:53-0:05:56 - Panel Introduction
0:05:56-0:13:28 - What are some examples of when Democrats and Republicans in Congress have collaborated with one another for the sake of the country?
0:13:28-0:18:27 - Why has it become increasingly difficult for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to collaborate with one another?
0:18:27-0:22:34 - As the former Democratic Leader in the House, what did Dick Gephardt’s interactions and personal relationships with Republicans look like?
0:22:34-0:27:59 - How has spending less time in Washington changed the way House and Senate members interact with each other?
0:27:59-0:43:14 - In today’s political climate, would Ted Kennedy and Orin Hatch be able to cooperate on establishing the children’s health insurance program?
0:43:14-0:49:14 - Is it still possible for us to bridge partisan divides and come to compromised solutions?
0:49:14-1:02:08 - Audience Q&A
1:02:08-1:04:06 - Closing Remarks