President Obama is set to speak to the nation on Jan. 20 for his 2015 State of the Union address. Vanderbilt has an array of experts available to comment.
Presidential Elections · Campaigns · Polling · Attack Ads · Civility in Politics
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science
Geer will look at the speech and what it could mean for the 2016 presidential election. Does he take implicit shots at some GOP contenders? Does he signal support for a candidate? Geer has written extensively on political campaigns, including articles on incivility in campaigns, the impact of negative campaigning on voter participation and the news media’s coverage of negativity. Geer co-chairs Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions and the Vanderbilt Poll.
Political Party Polarization · Presidential Elections · Political Parties · Public Opinion Polls · Trust in Government · Media and Politics
Marc Hetherington, professor of political science
Hetherington can discuss party polarization. For example, does the speech provide evidence that there might be opportunities to work across the aisle to solve problems or does the election of a Republican Senate not seem to make much difference in that regard? He can also discuss presidential elections, voting, public opinion polls, media coverage during a campaign, anti-government campaign rhetoric and how trust in government affects elections and public policy. Hetherington wrote Why Trust Matters: Declining Political Trust and the Demise of American Liberalism.
American Politics · Presidency · Executive and Bureaucracy · Presidential Transitions · Presidential Power
David E. Lewis, professor of political science
Lewis teaches and writes about the presidency, executive politics, presidential appointments and public administration. Among his current projects is a study of the political views of government agencies and their employees. His most recent book, The Politics of Presidential Appointments: Political Control and Bureaucratic Performance, explores why and how modern presidents including George W. Bush have politicized the bureaucracy and the consequences. Lewis is co-chair of Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions.
College Access for Minorities · Dream Act
Stella Flores, assoc. prof. of public policy and higher education
Flores is an expert on the impact of state and federal policies on college access, as well as completion for low-income and underrepresented populations. She can speak on the role of alternative admissions plans and financial aid programs, and completion rates at minority-serving institutions.
Will Doyle, assoc. prof. of public policy and higher education
Doyle is a higher education policy expert. He investigates state and federal financial supports for higher education, including need-based and merit-based aid policies. He is associate professor of public policy and higher education.