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Dialogues for Democracy
Let the Dialogues begin.
ASU’s nonpartisan speaker series bringing influential voices and different perspectives together for conversations that matter.
Dialogues for Democracy
Join the Dialogues.
A new season of Dialogues for Democracy brings together leaders and influential voices from politics, public service, media, sports and culture for candid conversations about the issues shaping our country and our future.
Presented by the ASU Institute of Politics in collaboration with the Center for Free Speech, Dialogues for Democracy is ASU’s nonpartisan speaker series designed to bring different perspectives to the table, encourage thoughtful exchange and create space for the conversations that matter.
2026–2027 season
New voices. New perspectives. New reasons to engage. Explore the upcoming Dialogues for Democracy season and join us for conversations that challenge assumptions, encourage curiosity and offer a deeper understanding of the people, ideas and issues shaping American life.
The New Playbook: How College Sports is Changing
Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. | Old Main, Carson Ballroom
What does it mean to lead, compete and build community in a rapidly evolving sports environment?
ASU Basketball Head Coaches, Molly Miller (women's) and Randy Bennett (men's), and Athletics Director Graham Rossini join Ambassador Jeff Flake for a conversation about leadership, the changing landscape of college athletics and the role sports can play in building culture and community.
America at 250: Past, Present, POSSIBLE
Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. | Mullett Arena
At 250, what can America’s past teach us about its future?
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and presidential biographer Jon Meacham joins ASU President Michael Crow to explore the struggles, ideas and choices that have shaped the American experiment — and what they can tell us about the country we choose to build next.
Chuck Todd
Journalist and former host of Meet The Press will visit ASU's Tempe campus on Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.
More information and registration coming soon.
McKay Coppins
Author and staff writer at The Atlantic will visit ASU's Tempe campus on Oct. 29 and 4 p.m.
More information and registration coming soon.
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2025–2026 Season
The 2025–2026 season brought together influential voices from politics, public service, journalism and campaign strategy for candid conversations on leadership, democracy and the forces shaping American politics today.
Leading and Governing in Changing Times
with Doug Ducey
Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey discusses leadership, public service and the challenges of governing in a rapidly changing political landscape. Hosted by Jeff Flake
The President's Strategists: How the White House Sees the Midterms
with Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita
Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita, veteran Republican strategists and key advisers to President Donald Trump’s campaigns, join CNN senior political commentator and former Obama senior strategist David Axelrod for a timely conversation on Republican strategy, voter attitudes and the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Hosted by David Axelrod
Midterm Madness: American Politics in 2026
with Jonathan Martin
POLITICO politics bureau chief and senior political columnist Jonathan Martin joined host and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod for an insider’s look at the strategy and power shaping the 2026 midterms. Hosted by David Axelrod
A Disagreement Among Friends
with Scott Jennings
CNN senior political commentator and political strategist Scott Jennings joined longtime friend and colleague David Axelrod for a candid conversation that demonstrated how thoughtful disagreement, mutual respect and personal connection can coexist in today’s political climate. Hosted by David Axelrod
Leadership, Duty and Defining Moments
with Mike Pence
The 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, joined Ambassador Jeff Flake for a conversation on leadership, duty and defining moments. Drawing on decades of public service, they reflected on the decisions that shape leaders and the responsibilities that come with serving the nation. Hosted by Jeff Flake
A Political Gabfest
with Rahm Emanuel and Mike Murphy
Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and former mayor of Chicago, and Mike Murphy, Republican political consultant and commentator on NBC’s Meet the Press, provided a candid conversation on the future of American politics. The chat was also recorded live for the Hacks on Tap podcast, co-hosted by Axelrod and Murphy. Hosted by David Axelrod
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2024–2025 Season
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.
The Role of the News Media in Advancing Freedom of Speech
with Martin Baron
Martin 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. Baron joined David Axelrod for a conversation about the role of the news media in advancing freedom of speech. Hosted by David Axelrod
Government, Business and the American Dream
with Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban–entrepreneur, former principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks and TV personality–joined host 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. Hosted by Jeff Flake
Election 2024: A Look Back
with John Anzalone and Tony Fabrizio
John Anzalone, chief pollster for Joe Biden, and Tony Fabrizio, chief pollster for Donald Trump, joined host David Axelrod for a bipartisan look back at the 2024 presidential election, exploring voter attitudes, campaign strategy and the forces that shaped the outcome. Hosted by David Axelrod
Free Speech on American College Campuses
with Michael Crow, Nadine Strossen and Larry Summers
ASU President Michael Crow was joined by former Harvard University President and U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and former American Civil Liberties Union President Nadine Strossen for a discussion on free speech and expression on American college campuses. Moderated by The Wall Street Journal’s Doug Belkin.
The New World: Abroad and At Home
with Susan Rice
Susan Rice, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, national security advisor and director of the U.S. Domestic Policy Council, discussed the evolving global landscape and its impact on American politics, policy and national security. Hosted by David Axelrod
Leadership Lessons from Basketball and Life
with Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA champion and head coach of the Golden State Warriors, visited ASU for a conversation on leadership and the lessons he has learned from basketball, competition and life. Hosted by David Axelrod
America's Role in the World
with Robert O'Brien
Former U.S. national security advisor Robert O’Brien joined host Ambassador Jeff Flake for a discussion on America’s role in the world, drawing on his experience across three presidential administrations to explore U.S. foreign policy in a shifting global landscape. Hosted by Jeff Flake