Building a Better, Safer World

The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota held an event today entitled “Building a Better, Safer World: What Would a McCain Presidency Do?” Sen. Joseph Lieberman was a late-addition, he dominated the panel discussion. Other panelists included Ambassador Robert Portman, former Reagan Security Advsior Robert McFarlane and Richard Williamson, a foreign policy advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush. All panelists are currently advisors to Sen. McCain and his campaign.

Much of the discussion focused on foreign policy issues set in the Middle East and the need for free trade agreements to cement American allies around the world. “Our image in a lot of the world is better than we think it is,” Sen. Lieberman said. “Iraq now is potentially a great model for the future in the Islamic world in this sense: Al Qaeda's been rejected ultimately by the Sunnis because they were brutal. Now you have the possibility in Iraq of a self-governing, self-defending and self-developing country economically.”

Ambassador Portman focused mainly on trade. “Trade is a politically controversial issue these days but is an essential issue of soft power." He continued, “Trade is single best weapon we have to reduce poverty. It's about more than trade with these countries, it's about countries being able to trade with each other.” Both Lieberman and Portman agreed that free trade should be increased during the next presidency.

Humphrey Institute: Convention Politics and the Fall Elections

The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota has hosted panels throughout this week on topics important to the presidential election. Today's midday panel, “Convention Politics and the Fall Elections,” featured opinions from several distinguished academics, including Ramesh Ponnuru of the National Review and Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

Most of the subjects the panelists broached involved the conditions leading up to this election and the issues that will be the most important to voters leading up to election day. They also noted contrasts between the two conventions so far, especially the amount of energy displayed by the delegates and attendees.

The panelists were divided in their opinion of direction either campaign will take before the election. Panelist Sabato stated in his opening remarks that McCain has missed an opportunity so far by “not running against Congress,” and that he should do so soon. Panelist Ponnuru stated that he thought that “the way that McCain governs will correlate to the way he campaigns.” All panelists expressed hope that each campaign would remain focused on issues and be able to fulfill their promises.

Republican Jewish Coalition speaks on behalf of Israel

Radio host Dennis Praeger emceed the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Salutes GOP Governors reception atop the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis this afternoon. Governors Jon Huntsman (R-AR), Sonny Perdue (R-GA) and Linda Lingle (R-HI) along with Praeger made the case for a McCain-Palin office and why they'd serve – especially Jewish Americans – best.

The RJC favors strong support of Israel. “I don’t know if there are two nations on earth who share more than the American people, the Jewish people and the people of Israel,” Israeli ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor said.

The major challenges facing America and Israel include Iran, terrorism and promoting peace Meridor said. As Praeger opened the program he said, “Auschwitz was not liberated by peace activists. Peaceful resistance against evil does not [work].” Praeger said the Democrats may have good intentions, but they lack the wisdom to resolve the issues of the day.

Gulf Coast governors Haley Barbour (R-MS), Charlie Crist (R-Fla.), Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Rick Perry (R-TX) and Arnold Schwarzenneger (R-CA) all were scheduled to attend prior to Hurricane Gustav, Praeger said. Republican Jewish Coalition national chairman David Flaum will still speak at the Republican National Convention on Thursday evening as planned.

Pawlenty, Gingrich, and Sharpton discuss education reform

This morning, "Time to Choose: Children or Bureaucracy" a panel on education reform was held at the Marriot Hotel in Minneapolis. It featured presentations from several distinguished speakers, including documentary director Bob Compton, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and the Rev. Al Sharpton. All participants spoke about reaching across party lines and acting on education reform as soon as possible.

Rev. Sharpton said, "The fact of the matter is that all of us, whatever we believe, whatever our party, our philosophy, our religion or our ideologies, all of us will leave behind a world that somehow our kids must go through." Much of Sharpton's focus on reform was aimed towards making parents more responsible for and involved in their children's education.

Speaker Gingrich had a more dramatic approach, one that appeared to be popular with the crowd. "I believe we have to elevate math and science education to a matter of national defense," he said. "We must improve it greatly to increase our security and secure our future."

Humphrey Institute: What Are Americans Looking For?

Journalists, a self-proclaimed adult pollster, and a political consultant participated in a panel discussion about the American electorate, the top issues in this election, and the emergence of Gov. Sarah Palin (R - AK) at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday morning.

According to the United Nations Foundation and Public Opinion Strategies Americans, left, right, and swing, show consensus on the importance of three issues: America's dependence on foreign oil, terrorism, and the global economy.

Co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies Bill McInturff said all Americans want a "balance of toughness and diplomacy" as a presidential attribute. Editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report Charlie Cook both argued Palin's selection removed John McCain's advantage with the experience argument – especially regarding national security. McInturff spoke last and said, "I think the electorate is far from resolved about who is going to be president."