The Choice, produced by Dialogue Vanderbilt, will discuss the key moments and the many implications of the 2024 presidential election. Pulitzer Prize–winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham and Vanderbilt professor, polling expert and political scientist John Geer will blend history and political science to offer relevant context and insights about this fascinating election and point out ways it is and is not unprecedented.
They seek to have an evidence-based conversation, avoiding partisanship and the tendency of far too many political observers to lead with their ideological chins, that is, to be contentious instead of open-minded. “Looking over the long span of American history, one thing is clear: no one party or ideological approach has all the answers,” Geer said. “In fact, America is at its best when both sides make their case, and we let the public decide which side should govern for the next few years. This competitive struggle allows our country to work imperfectly toward being that perfect union.”
This four-part podcast will blend history and political science to offer insights, provide context and show how this electoral battle fits into the long arc of American history.
The series will premiere Aug. 28. There will be editions in September and October, then a concluding session that assesses the results and implications of the 2024 presidential election.
The podcast will be available on the following platforms:
Jon Meacham, co-chair of the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Political Science and Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Chair in American Presidency, is a renowned presidential historian, contributing writer to The New York Times Book Review, contributing editor at Time magazine and a Pulitzer Prize–winning author.
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair, leads the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, is co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, and serves as a senior advisor to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier on vital strategic initiatives promoting democracy and open dialogue.
Geer and Meacham are co-teaching an Elections 2024 course this fall with professors Nicole Hemmer and Josh Clinton. This class is the largest in-person elective class in the history of the university, with 1,100 students enrolled and a waiting list of about 100.
