Conversations from the Cullman Center: The Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Lectures on American Civilization and Government: "The Half-Life of Freedom." Two lectures by Jelani Cobb, May 2 and 9

To an unprecedented extent, the 2016 election raised questions about the role and function of the media, its responsibilities in a modern democracy, and the degree to which reportage can make a difference in public life. The national discussion of both candidates was driven by an à la carte relationship with reality that culminated in new levels of mendacity, "alternative facts," and, ultimately, toxic confusion. This lecture examines the dynamics at play in the election, the role played by print, broadcast, and social media, and the implications of those dynamics for the “fourth estate” over the next four years of American politics, and into the future.

The election results on November 8th stunned a large portion of the American public. The angry, nationalistic rhetoric of Trumpism won out despite doubts from across the political spectrum that the erratic candidate at the center of the movement could win the presidency or govern effectively.  In the sweep of American history, however, the Trump phenomenon is neither novel nor uncommon. This talk looks closely at the political genealogy of the 45th president of the United States.