What: The Polarization of Politics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Where: LBJ Library and Museum Atrium, 8th Floor, 2313 Red River St.
Two former Congressmen will be at the LBJ Library and Museum for a lively discussion on "The Polarization of Politics," an event presented by the Congress to Campus Program at The University of Texas and co-hosted by the LBJ Library Future Forum.
The evening will begin with an opening discussion of the current state of the political scene - and the polarization within - and a brief historical view of the political parties' role in Congress.
Then, former congressmen Robin Beard (R-TN) and Butler Derrick (D-SC) will discuss their experience in Congress and their views of the current state of politics. We will then open the discussion up for audience questions.
Mr. Beard represented Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District from 1973 to 1983 and has since served as assistant secretary general for defense support, NATO, Brussels, 1984-1987; president of an import-export company in Washington, D.C., 1987 to present; and is a senior fellow at the Croton Institute.
Mr. Derrick represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District from 1975 to 1995. For most of that service, he served on the Rules Committee and was continuously elected to the Democratic Party Leadership, rising to the position of Chief Deputy Whip. Since his retirement, he has served on numerous boards and civic organizations.
The discussion will be led by Sean Theriault, an associate professor in UT’s Department of Government who teaches American Politics. Theriault has a Ph.D in political science and his research interests are in Congress---specifically lawmaking in the modern Congress and party polarization.