Dialogues for Democracy

A compelling speaker series featuring experts shaping U.S. politics, media and policymaking.

Dialogues for Democracy

The spring 2025 season featured a dynamic lineup of leaders from politics, business, journalism, education and professional sports — a diverse range of voices and viewpoints that make this speaker series more relevant than ever.

Please enjoy the recordings featuring this year's speakers and join us again next season for another exciting line-up. Special thanks to David Axelrod and Ambassador Jeff Flake for hosting such an important series.

Robert O'Brien

On Tuesday, April 15, American attorney and former national security adviser Robert O'Brien joined host Ambassador Jeff Flake for a discussion on America’s role in the world. With experience across three administrations — Presidents George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump —  O’Brien brings a unique perspective on U.S. foreign policy in a shifting world. 

View Recording


Steve Kerr

On Monday, April 7 Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA champion and current head coach of the Golden State Warriors, joined host David Axelrod, for a discussion on the leadership lessons he's been taught from basketball and life.

View Recording


Susan Rice

On Tuesday, March 25 Susan Rice, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, director of the U.S. Domestic Policy Council, and U.S. national security advisor, joined David Axelrod for a discussion on The New World: Abroad and At Home.

View Recording


Michael M. Crow

Nadine Strossen

Larry H. Summers

On Tuesday, March 4 ASU President Michael Crow was joined by former Harvard University president and former U.S. treasury secretary Larry Summers, and former American Civil Liberties Union president Nadine Strossen, for a panel discussion around free speech on American campuses. The panel was moderated by Doug Belkin of The Wall Street Journal.

View Recording

 


John Anzalone

Tony Fabrizio

On Monday, March 3 John Anzalone, chief pollster for Joe Biden, and Tony Fabrizio, chief pollster for Donald Trump, joined host David Axelrod for a discussion recapping the 2024 presidential election.

View Recording


Mark Cuban

Prominent investor on Shark Tank and former principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, he was joined by Jeff Flake for a discussion on how the government and private sectors can be partners in advancing entrepreneurship and supporting business development in the U.S.

View Recording


Martin Baron

Baron is a Pulitzer Prize-winning, former executive editor of The Washington Post, whose leadership at The Boston Globe was portrayed in the Oscar-winning film Spotlight

On Thursday, Feb. 6, he joined Axelrod for a conversation about the role of the news media in advancing freedom of speech. 

View Recording