Let's Find Common Ground

Spring 2026 CPF Fellow Seema Mehta joins redistricting experts Christian Grose, Paul Mitchell, Matt Rexroad, and Amy Thoma Tan for a conversation on Prop 50, redistricting, and the future of representation in the United States. They discuss the history of redistricting, California's Proposition 50, Texas's redistricting bill, and how this influences political power, changing political norms, and the upcoming 2026 midterms. This conversation is part of Mehta's study group "Politics, Polls, and Punditry — the Inner Workings of Modern-Day Campaigns." Featuring: -Christian Grose: Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, USC; Director, Democracy and Fair Elections Lab at USC Dornsife -Paul Mitchell: Democratic Redistricting Strategist -Matt Rexroad: GOP Redistricting Strategist -Amy Thoma Tan: President, Cobalt Public Affairs -Seema Mehta: Veteran National & State Reporter, Los Angeles Times; Spring 2026 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Diego Andrades: Assistant Director, USC Center for the Political Future

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins James Cleverly, former UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, for a conversation on the past, present, and future of US-UK relations. They discuss how leadership transitions, elections, and global crises shape cooperation between Washington and London, and what the next chapter of this transatlantic relationship may hold. This conversation is in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Featuring: - James Cleverly: British Conservative Politician; Member of Parliament for Braintree; Former UK Secretary of State for the Home Department; Former Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Education; Army Reserve Officer - Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Spring 2026 CPF Fellows Mark Campbell, Yemisi Egbewole, Garret Graves, and Seema Mehta for a discussion on the current state of politics today. They discuss the 2026 midterms, the Trump Administration's impact on the upcoming elections and media, ICE raids, and how the Democrats and Republicans are approaching the midterms. The conversation also explores the Fellows' study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service. Featuring:

USC Annenberg Media Center Director Christina Bellantoni leads a panel discussion with political and media experts Mark Campbell, Jon Favreau, John Heilemann, and Seema Mehta on the 2026 midterms. They discuss what to expect as we approach the 2026 midterms, what Democrats and Republicans need to do to reach voters, and the political implications of the 2025 special elections on the 2026 midterms. The panel ends with closing remarks from CPF Director Bob Shrum and USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring:

POLITICO Enterprise Managing Editor Sasha Issenberg leads a panel discussion with political experts Jim DeBoo, Christian Grose, David Simas, and Amy Thoma Tan on redistricting and whether it's getting too partisan. They discuss the state of redistricting nationally, the California Prop. 50 results, and how the results impact Democrats and Republicans moving forward. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring:

This panel discussion from CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" begins with welcome remarks from CPF Director Bob Shrum and USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim. Then CNN Anchor Elex Michaelson leads the panel discussion with political experts Mike Donilon, Ed Goeas, Jeffery Jenkins, and Richard North Patterson on the state of American democracy. They discuss how democracy drives voters, key lessons from history that are most helpful in today's political climate, and what to expect from Democrats and Republicans as we approach the 2028 presidential election. Featuring:

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy leads a panel discussion with political and media experts Tad Devine, Shaniqua McClendon, Neera Tanden, and Raúl Torrez on whether Democrats can make a comeback. They discuss what Zohran Mamdani's electoral victory means for Democrats, the government shutdown, California Governor Gavin Newsom as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and the 2028 presidential election. This conversation is part of CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" Featuring:

CPF's annual Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics "America 250: Young or Old Democracy?" begins with welcome remarks from CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy, and William Deverell, USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences. Then Shrum talks 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. Featuring:

For the 2025 USC Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy host a conversation on the 2025 election results and the latest political headlines. They discuss the 2025 California special election, 2025 New York City mayoral election, and analyze the election results across the nation and what it means for Democrats and Republicans. Featuring:

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy joins voting experts Mike Madrid, Chuck Rocha, and Helen Torres for a discussion on Latino voters, the fastest-growing voting bloc in the country. They discuss shifts in Latino voting patterns, what to expect from Latino voters in the upcoming elections, and how Democrats and Republicans can connect with the Latino voting community for the 2026 midterms and beyond. Featuring:

Hear young USC alumni discuss their work in the nonprofit field. What fueled their success? How do they raise money? What impact are their efforts having? These inspirational and educational stories come from students who took the USC Dornsife Toolkit course "Doing Good: How to Start and Run a Successful Nonprofit Organization" CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan serves as the proud moderator of his former students. Gain valuable insights into nonprofit career opportunities. Featuring:

CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan joins gun safety activist Shannon Watts and environmental protection activist Benji Backer for a discussion on civic engagement, lessons from activism, and how to utilize your passion to enact social change. They discuss their books, how to work across the aisle to drive progress on causes, and how to build movements while reducing political polarization. This discussion is part of CPF’s Dialogue Across Difference series. Featuring: - Benji Backer: CEO & Founder, Nature is Nonpartisan; Author of "The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future" - Shannon Watts: Founder, Moms Demand Action; Author of "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age" and "Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World;" Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future - Kamy Akhavan: Managing Director, USC Center for the Political Future

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins legal experts Franita Tolson, Jeffrey Toobin, and Alexander “Sasha” Volokh for a discussion on the role and state of the judiciary today. They discuss the role of the courts in safeguarding checks and balances, the James Comey indictment, and how Donald Trump and his administration affect the Supreme Court. This event was in partnership with the USC Gould School of Law. Featuring:

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin for a talk on his new memoir, "Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense." They discuss Manchin's decision to become an independent, his public service and White House experiences, and the importance of bipartisanship today. This event, part of CPF's Jeff and Sue White Dialogue Series, was in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Featuring: - Joe Manchin: Former U.S. Senator from West Virginia - Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Fred Ryan, Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Center on Civility and Democracy, for a discussion on civility and the presidency. They discuss how past presidents bridged divides when working with political leaders they disagreed with, the importance of civility in today's political climate, and how political leaders influence the public and Congress. This event was in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. Featuring:

CPF Assistant Director Diego Andrades joins voting experts Laura Brill, Jahnavi Rao, and Maddy Roth for a discussion on the forces reshaping how young voters approach civic life and democracy. They discuss Gen Z’s voting patterns, strategies for reaching young voters, and how Democrats and Republicans can capture Gen Z voters. Featuring:

CPF Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy join Fall 2025 CPF Fellows Jim DeBoo, Frank Lavin, April Ryan, David Simas, and Helen Torres, for a discussion on the current state of politics today. They discuss the Trump Administration, Gavin Newsom and California politics, and the impact of Trump's tariffs, ICE raids, and redistricting efforts. The conversation also explores the Fellows’ study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service. Featuring: -Jim DeBoo: Founder, DeBoo Strategic Affairs; Former Chief of Staff to Gavin Newsom; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Frank Lavin: Former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -April Ryan: Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -David Simas: Managing Director, Emerson Collective; Former President, Obama Foundation; Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Helen Torres: CEO, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE); Fall 2025 Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future -Bob Shrum: Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife -Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Center for the Political Future; Republican Strategist

Discover the power of young leaders changing the world through nonprofits! USC alumni share their incredible journeys in the nonprofit sector and reveal what it really takes to make a difference. CPF Managing Director Kamy Akhavan joins nonprofit leaders for a conversation packed with invaluable advice and real-world stories. From raising funds to navigating career paths, these leaders open up about their challenges, triumphs, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Featuring:

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins Paulist Productions Vice President Father Tom Gibbons and USC Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies President Richard Wood for a discussion on the politics of the conclave to select Pope Francis' successor. They discuss how the next Pope will be selected, what are the political calculations involved in the selection process, and how the Catholic Church under new leadership could and should influence the world. Featuring:

CPF Director Bob Shrum joins renowned foreign policy experts Ben Rhodes and Max Boot for a discussion on pathways to peace in the Middle East. They discuss the current conflicts in the Middle East, the prospects of a two-state or single state solution, the future of Gaza, and the role of the U.S. in ending the conflicts and fostering a peace process. This event is part of the CPF "Combating Antisemitism and Other Forms of Hatred" series. Featuring: