The ASU IOP in collaboration with the Center for Free Speech, is proud to present Dialogues for Democracy—ASU’s annual, nonpartisan speaker series featuring high-profile voices in U.S. politics, media and policymaking.
Dialogues for Democracy
A compelling nonpartisan speaker series featuring experts shaping U.S. politics, media and policymaking.
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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, joined host David Axelrod for 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.
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Kaitlan Collins: Reschedule in progress
Kaitlan Collins and David Axelrod are committed to rescheduling their Feb. 20 conversation at ASU. We will share a new date and opportunity for the larger community to join the conversation as soon as it is confirmed. Thank you in advance for your patience as we reschedule.
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The President's Strategists: How the White House Sees the Midterms
Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita
Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita engage a timely conversation on how the White House is approaching the upcoming midterm elections with CNN senior political commentator and senior strategist for President Obama's campaigns, David Axelrod.
Tony Fabrizio is an experienced Republican pollster and strategist who has advised numerous campaigns, including Donald Trump’s presidential bids, and brings deep insight into voter attitudes and campaign messaging. This is Fabrizio's second time at ASU's IOP.
Chris LaCivita, veteran Republican political strategist and co-manager of the Trump '24 campaign; and Tony Fabrizio, chief pollster for the campaign, will discuss Republican strategy for the 2026 Midterm elections.
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Leading and Governing in Changing Times
Doug Ducey
Join Ambassador Jeff Flake, founding director of ASU’s IOP, and former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to discuss leadership, public service and the challenges of governing in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Midterm Madness: American Politics in 2026
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.
A Disagreement Among Friends
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.
Mike Pence
Leadership, Duty and Defining Moments
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.
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2024–2025 guest speakers
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.