Humphrey Institute News on-the-go

Water quality impacts everything—from our food and our health to the environment and the economy. The 2008 Freeman Lecture focused on the implications and complexities of policy decisions we make about water resources. Rep. James Oberstar, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, deliver the opening keynote address. Steve Morse, executive director of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, followed Oberstar’s remarks with a luncheon address. The program concluded with afternoon panel discussions about water policy issues in Minnesota.

Listen to Rep. James Oberstar's lecture (44 mins 20 secs) and the Q&A that followed (63 mins 55 secs)
Listen to Steve Morse's remarks (24 mins 35 secs) and the Q&A that followed (11 mins 49 secs)
Listen to the panel 1 discussion about "Threats to Minnesota’s Water Resources" (64 mins)

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre addressed the relationship between “Norway and the United States in the 21st Century” at the Humphrey Institute. In his presentation, Støre talked about Norway’s relationship with Minnesota and the Upper Midwest and specific initiatives tied to each country’s success in the 21st century. He also talked about Norway’s role as a major energy exporter, his country’s climate change initiatives, and Norway’s engagement in the High North. The visit from the minister was presented in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Consulate General, the Minnesota International Center, and the Humphrey Institute.

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The public health crises around the world present complex challenges with no easy answers. Internationally renowned leadership expert Ronald Heifetz participated in a conversation about using adaptive leadership techniques to effectively tackle public health issues. He was joined by Jan Malcolm, Courage Center CEO, and Humphrey Institute Senior Fellow Jay Kiedrowski, board member for UCare Minnesota.

The program was co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Integrative Leadership and the Humphrey Institute’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (66 mins 23 secs)

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What should we look for in the next vice president? What political factors might influence the selection of a running mate in 2008? The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance and the preeminent journal on the presidency, Presidential Studies Quarterly, sponsored a conference on the vice presidency featuring Vice President Walter F. Mondale. Leading experts from around the country addressed these questions with the Vice President and discussed the selection of the vice presidential nominees. Click here for the conference agenda.

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Political observer Ted Van Dyk, author of Heroes, Hacks, and Fools: Memoirs from the Political Inside (University of Washington Press 2007), talks about his long career as a presidential candidate adviser and offers his take on the 2008 presidential race. Senior Fellow emerita Arvonne Fraser moderates.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance hosted a discussion about “The State of Minnesota’s Republican Party and Conservative Movement” on January 22. The panelists included Steve Sviggum, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry commissioner; Bill Cooper, former chair of the Minnesota Republican Party; Representative Mary Liz Holberg; and Jeff Blodgett, executive director of Wellstone Action. Professor Larry Jacobs moderated the discussion.

Listen to audio (61 mins 7 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senior Fellow Harry Boyte was interviewed by Access Minnesota about the notion of public service and citizenship. He talks about the Warrior to Citizen campaign and other work being done by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 2008 presidential campaign is well under way. In the coming months, voters will be barraged even more with nonstop campaigning while Washington policymakers face political deadlock, according to political analyst Norman Ornstein. In this program, Ornstein talks about the 2008 election and gives his insights into one of the country’s most anticipated years in American politics. His lecture was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senior Fellow Vin Weber offers a candid insider's look at the national Republican party and the conservative movement in this presentation. His lecture was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the wake of 9/11, the Bush Administration repeatedly has sought to expand the power of the executive branch. What are the dangers of an executive branch unchecked by Congress and the Judiciary? In “Unchecked and Unbalanced: Presidential Power in a Time of Terror,” Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., talks about the risks and consequences of the Bush Administration’s actions. Following his presentation, Vice President Walter Mondale and U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim join Schwartz in a conversation about the meaning and significance of the changes in executive branch powers.

This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (56 mins 17 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Professor Larry Jacobs joined award-winning journalist Melissa Fay Greene in a conversation about her work. Greene’s articles and books have addressed civil rights and Southern history, coal mine disasters and poetry, adoption, and family life. Greene discussed her most recent book, There is No Me Without You, which looks at the efforts of one woman to save children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia. Her visit was co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harold Koh, dean of the Yale Law School, gave a presentation on “Restoring America’s Human Rights Reputation” prior to a panel discussion with Vice President Walter Mondale and University of Minnesota political science and law professor Kathryn Sikkink. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In 2006, the South Dakota legislature and governor passed a law that would ban nearly all abortions, the strictest ruling in the country. Opponents led a movement to bring the issue to the voters on the 2006 ballot. In “Navigating Conflict: Planned Parenthood's Strategy in South Dakota,” CEO Sarah Stoesz talked about this effort in conversation with Humphrey Institute lecturer Steve Sviggum, former legislator and long-time pro-life advocate. Star Tribune writer Lori Sturdevant moderated the conversation. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., and director of the Pew Research Center for The People and The Press, talked about public opinion and the 2008 presidential race. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. The above graph and others like it are available here from the Pew Research Center for The People and the Press.

Listen to audio (61 mins 14 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U.S. diplomat and Minnesota native Thomas Wise talks about his experiences in Iraq as a member of a Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dean J. Brian Atwood discusses the military and diplomatic reports on the Iraq war, and examines the reaction from President Bush and Congress. This interview is taken from Minnesota Public Radio's Midday program with Gary Eichten.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dennis Donovan and Ellen Tveit, staff members with the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, answer questions about the center's Warrior to Citizen campaign. This statewide effort is part of Minnesota Works Together, a new initiative to revive citizenship in Minnesota. Learn more about their work here and visit them at the Minnesota State Fair (U of M/Crossroads building at Dan Patch and Underwood) on Labor Day (September 3). Photo courtesy of the Minnesota National Guard

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Jim Oberstar participated in the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the study of Politics and Governance. His remarks offered a broad overview of transportation bills in Congress and a preview of things to come.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Keith Ellison participated in the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the study of Politics and Governance. His remarks were titled "Leveling the Playing Field for Working Families: Promoting a Consumer Justice Agenda."

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senator Norm Coleman talked about renewable energy and national security as part of the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the wake of the unspeakable acts of Nazi doctors during the Holocaust, modern governments adopted a series of international conventions that declared doctors' participation in torture to be unethical. In August 2004, Steven H. Miles, a bioethicist and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, reported in the British medical journal The Lancet that in Iraq and Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, doctors were collaborating in the design and implementation of coercive interrogations. “Torture, War, and Medical Ethics” examined this issue in detail as Dr. Miles was joined in conversation by Barbara Frey, international rights advocate and director of the Human Rights Program at the University of Minnesota.

Listen to audio (57 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Tim Walz talked about foreign policy and education as part of the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Having just returned from Pakistan and Afghanistan, Congresswoman Betty McCollum offered her perspective on the conflicts in the Middle East. Her talk was part of “Connecting with Government,” a series of policy talks sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 01:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sen. Amy Klobuchar kicked off "Connecting with Government," a new series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, with a policy talk on global climate change.

Listen to audio (1 hr 9 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Approximately 40% of the U.S. forces now in Iraq are from the Army Reserves or the National Guard. These troops face year-long tours of duty that can be-and have been-extended. Former Representative Tim Penny; Minnesota National Guard Col. Neal Loidolt; and Denny Schulstad, state chair of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, offered their perspective on the impact of National Guard deployments here at home. Click here for more programs in the Home and Away series.

Listen to panel discussion (60 mins)
Listen to Q&A (28 mins 10 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The disconnect between the Bush administration and the American public was the topic of this lecture from Northwestern Professor Ben Page. Following his remarks, he was joined in discussion by Vice President Walter Mondale and Humphrey Institute Dean J. Brian Atwood. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (64 mins 23 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ambassador Henry Crumpton, coordinator for counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, talked about “A New Era of Conflict” on January 31 in Cowles Auditorium. The Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism is charged with forging partnerships with individuals, organizations, and foreign governments to advance the counterterrorism objectives and national security of the United States. Crumpton gave his perspective on national security and the War on Terror. This program was cosponsored by Tunheim Partners.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Norwegian diplomat Tom Vraalsen talked about “Sudan at the Crossroads: Two Years After Signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement” on Tuesday, January 30, in Cowles Auditorium. In 2005, Ambassador Vraalsen was chosen to lead the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC). The international commission is monitoring the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in January 2005. He previously served as the UN-Secretary General's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs for Sudan. Vraalsen's appearance was cosponsored by the Norwegian Consulate.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance hosted a discussion with Governing Magazine editor Peter Harkness on "The States of the States: Challenges and Opportunities." Harkness talked about the implications of the 2006 elections on stage government and the collaborations needed to create public policy.

Listen to audio (56 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressional scholar Gary Jacobson, a professor at the University of California at San Diego, talked about the impact of possible “Democratic Gains in the 2006 Congressional Elections” during this lecture sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (45 mins 54 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Former congressmen and Humphrey Institute Senior Fellows Tim Penny (L) and Vin Weber (R) talk about the challenges facing congressional candidates in the 2006 elections.

Listen to audio (1 hr 12 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do Islamic jihadis really hate American freedoms? What are the goals of Islamic terrorists, and how do they justify the deaths of innocent people? In this presentation, David Aaron, director of RAND's Center for Middle East Public Policy, shares what jihadis told him for his book, In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad. Aaron is a former Foreign Service officer and was deputy national security advisor to President Jimmy Carter.

Listen to audio (1 hr 12 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sen. Becky Lourey, candidate for governor, outlined "A Smarter State Fiscal Policy: Fair Taxes, Quality Health Care, Safer Streets, and Stable Schools" on August 23, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. Her speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (30 mins 46 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sue Jeffers, GOP candidate for governor, gave a public policy address on "Taming the Beast: Regaining Control of a Runaway Government" on August 17 at the Humphrey Institute. Jeffers's remarks were part of the Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance in an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (27 mins 35 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson (IP-endorsed candidate) spoke about "The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis" on August 10, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 1, 21 mins 19 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In this entry, Gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson (IP-endorsed candidate) continues his remarks on "The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis." His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 2, 31 mins 41 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attorney General Mike Hatch, DFL-endorsed candidate for governor, spoke on "Affordability and Availability of Health Care," on August 9 at the Humphrey Institute as part of the Candidate Forum, a series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance in an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 1, 18 mins 40 secs)

Listen to audio (part 2, 17 mins 20 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (GOP-endorsed candidate for governor) spoke about "Education: Funding, Improvements, and Accountability for Results" on July 25, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study ofPolitics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

This presentation is available in two parts.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (GOP-endorsed candidate for governor) spoke about "Education: Funding, Improvements, and Accountability for Results" on July 25, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

This presentation is available in two parts.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)