Swarthmore Sponsored Educational Events Related to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Upcoming Events

October 26, 2024

Night Owls: "The Meaning of Democracy"

Speaker: Daniel Wodak (Philosophy Department, University of Pennsylvania)

Location: 8 - 11pm, Science Center 199 - Cunniff Hall Tiered Classroom

Campus Organizers: Political Science and Philosophy Departments

Abstract: What is the best way to interpret the ideal of “one person, one vote”? Is a democracy a society in which everyone gets the same opportunity to influence the law, for instance, or one in which everybody actually does influence the law to the same degree? How would the United States do relative to either of these metrics? Does the electoral college flout the ideal of political equality, and why does political equality matter in the first place? What is democracy, in other words, and why should we care?

To discuss these questions, we are very fortunate to be able to welcome Daniel Wodak, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania and Associate Director of Penn’s Institute for Law and Philosophy. Daniel has written a number of recent articles on the meaning of democracy in prestigious journals such as the Philosophical Review and Philosophy and Public Affairs. He is also the director of a new prison teaching project at Penn.

The Night Owls series consists of nocturnal philosophical discussions of questions that are central to the lives of students and faculty. The format involves an initial discussion with Jonny Thakkar, assistant professor of Political Science, followed by an open Q&A. Cookies and coffee are provided. So far we have hosted Agnes Callard on "Is Ambition Ugly?", Krista Thomason on "Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good", Sa'ed Atshan on "Pacifism", Vincent Lloyd on "What Makes a Good Protest?", Nikil Saval on "Becoming a Politician" and Annie Stilz on “Can a People Own Land?”

October 28, 2024

Polls, Policy, and The Trajectory of Democracy: A Panel on Election 2024

Speakers: Dan Hopkins (Political Science Department, University of Pennsylvania), Sam Wang (Neuroscience; founder of the Princeton Election Consortium and the Electoral Innovation Lab, Princeton University), and Emily Zackin '02 (Political Science Department, Johns Hopkins University)

Moderators: Syon Bhanot (Economics Department) and Warren Snead (Political Science Department)

Location: 7-9pm, Science Center 199 - Cunniff Hall Tiered Classroom

Campus Organizers: Economics and Political Science Departments

Abstract:  The U.S. elections in 2024 are seen by many as a crucial inflection point in American history. This panel will tackle many of the questions and topics on people's minds as the election approaches, from how individuals can best make a difference pre-election, to polling and predictions, to the serious implications for democracy and policy of the possible outcomes on election night.

There will be a reception with appetizers and snacks from 7-7:30 PM, followed by the panel from 7:30-9 PM.

November 5, 2024

Libraries Election Day Pop-Up

Location: 10am - 4pm, McCabe Library 100 Atrium

Campus Organizer: Swarthmore Libraries

Abstract: Pop by the Library on Election Day! We'll be showcasing a selection of items from our Special Collections related to elections, political campaigns, voting, and more. Come in wearing your "I Voted" sticker and receive a limited-edition or bespoke button.

November 6, 2024

Explaining Election Night: What Just Happened and What's To Come

Speakers: Daniel Laurison (Sociology & Anthropology Department), Keith Reeves (Political Science Department), Susie Schwarz (Political Science Department), and Warren Snead (Political Science Department)

Location: 4:15-5:30pm, Scheuer Room, Kohlberg Hall

Campus Organizer: Political Science Department

Abstract: Join faculty from Political Science and Sociology & Anthropology for a panel discussion and Q&A as we reflect on election night and the future of American democracy. We will discuss where the election stands and where it may end up, the implications of the election for politics and policy, and be ready to answer your questions about this important historical moment.

November 7, 2024

Post-Election Lunch Panel Discussion

Location: 12:30pm, Scheuer Room, Kohlberg Hall

Campus Organizer: Modern Languages and Literatures and Spanish Departments

Abstract: Join us for an engaging lunch panel discussion where professors from the Modern Languages and Literatures and Spanish Departments will share insights into international media coverage and public reactions to the U.S. elections. The conversation will span countries and regions aligned with their language expertise, offering a wide range of global perspectives and implications.

Boxed lunches will be provided. Please RSVP and indicate your lunch preference:

• Meat
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

RSVP by October 30th using this link: RSVP Here

October 1 - November 12, 2024

Election '24 USA: High Stakes or Hype?

Speaker: Carol Nackenoff, Richter Professor Emerita of Political Science

Location: 7:30 - 8pm, Virtual

Campus Organizer: Lifelong Learning at Swarthmore

Abstract: Death of democracy. Destruction of the Constitution. Authoritarianism. Civil War. White nationalism. Bloodbath. These are just some of the things heard in connection with the 2024 American elections. How much can be taken seriously? We cannot understand the significance of a single election in isolation from trends in American politics. Political scientists analyze how shifting political allegiances, election processes, American institutions, polarization, political culture, and economic changes are impacting recent electoral processes. They also look at whether trends in U.S. elections share features with trends in other western nations. This course looks at 2024 in this broader context.

“Election ’24” classes will be held on the following Tuesdays: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and November 12.

Questions?  For questions about course material, contact Professor Hansjakob Werlen at hwerlen1@swarthmore.edu. For all other questions, contact Mary Carr at mcarr1@swarthmore.edu.

Past Events

October 24, 2024

Climate Justice from Alaska to Pennsylvania and the 2024 Election

Speaker: Zach Brown (Tidelines Institute)

Location: 4:30 - 5:30pm, Scheuer Room, Kohlberg Hall

Campus Organizers: Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility and Swarthmore Libraries

Abstract: Dr. Zach Brown will share his research on climate impacts occurring in Alaska and how they impact us in Pennsylvania. Come listen and discuss the importance of climate justice and build on environmental connection across the nation.

October 23, 2024

Post-2020 Asian America: Movements, Elections, and the Politics of Solidarity

Speaker: Sonya Chen '18 (Asian American Studies Program, University of Pennsylvania)

Location: 4:30 - 6pm, Science Center 204

Campus Organizers: HEARD, Sociology & Anthropology

Abstract:  The increased visibility of anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic fueled a historic moment of Asian American mobilization, transforming the terrain of Asian American politics. But it also revealed the fraught place of Asian Americans in American society and the ethical questions around Asian American pursuits of “racial justice.” In particular, what does it mean for Asian Americans to be pushing for anti-Asian violence to be understood as a problem of “hate” that is legible to and fixable by carceral apparatuses in the midst of the Movement for Black Lives and struggles for Palestinian liberation? Meanwhile, what are the limitations and and possibilities of contemporary Asian American solidarity politics? From elections to organizing, what does it look like to re-orient Asian American politics towards more capacious visions of justice?

Short Bio: Sonya Chen’s research, writing, and teaching focus on Asian American politics, social movements and organizations, and interminority politics. Her book project examines Asian American (dis)investments in carceral frameworks and institutions within the Stop Asian Hate movement and the broader contemporary movement against anti-Asian violence. Her work has been published in Politics, Groups, and Identities and recognized by awards from the Western Political Science Association Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Association for Asian American Studies Social Science Caucus. Sonya received her Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University. She is a Panda Express Postdoctoral Fellow in Asian American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and an incoming Assistant Professor in Political Science at Barnard College. Outside of and informing her approach to academia, Sonya has been involved in community projects from building a mutual aid collective in Princeton to conducting community-based research about racial violence in Oakland to organizing against the proposed 76ers arena in Philadelphia Chinatown.

October 23, 2024

Gilbert Lecture Series: "Identity Politics? Black Voters and Democratic Accountability in American Elections"

Abstract: Dr. White will present recent research in which he argues that Black Americans' use of candidate race as information for formulating electoral judgements is much more pragmatic than previous researchers have made it out to be. he elucidates the logic of support for co-racial representatives by clarifying how race functions as information about 1) the potential for prospective representation of individual interest and 2) information that could potentially bias the uptake of new information about who well interests are being represented. Using a series of dynamic experimental designs, he finds that, although Black study participants express strong preferences for having racial ingroup members make decisions that affect their interest, this initial identity driven preference in no way renders Black participants immune to updating those preferences at some later point as critics of identity politics claim. Instead, the choice of Black candidates by Black voters may be more of a calculated effort to leverage the democratic voting process to maximize both substantive outputs and symbolic descriptive representation.

Dr. Ismail White is Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He received his B.A. in political science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan. Dr. White studies American politics with a focus on Black politics, public opinion, and political participation. He is co-author of the recent book Steadfast Democrats: How Social Forces Shape Black Political Behavior (Princeton University Press, 2020), which explains the maintenance of Black unity in party politics through the establishment and enforcement of racial group norms of political behavior. His work has won awards from the American Political Science Association, the Midwest Political Science Association, and the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.  He currently serves on the board of the American National Election Study and as the Director of Survey Research at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.  

October 10, 2024

Community Conversations: Political Discourse: Being With Me or Against Me

Facilitators: Dean Tiffany Thompson and Vice President Brooke Vick

Location: 12 - 1:30pm, IC Dome

Campus Organizers: Offices of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract: The Community Conversations series brings diverse community members together to discuss, listen, and learn from different perspectives. You will hear about other's lived experience and be able to share your own as well. Through open, honest, and respectful dialogue, we will begin building a stronger community. This year, we will focus on Embracing Grace and Empathy as we continue to support one another through the everyday challenges.

Lunch will be provided. Open to all community members. Come when you can, leave when you must.

OCTOBER 1, 2024

GOTV Quiz-Trivia Night

Location: 4 - 6pm, Dining Center 150 - Elizabeth Economy '84 and David Michael Wah Dining Room

Campus Organizers: GOTV, the Lang Center for Civic & Social Responsibility, and Swarthmore Libraries

Abstract: The Get Out the Vote (GOTV) committee invites students, faculty and staff to nerd out at a special trivia night on October 1 from 4-6pm in the DCC. Curious about things like presidential pets, how voting works outside of the US, or wondering what’s up with the Supreme Court? This event is for you.

Quizmaster Abbie Weil (Swarthmore Libraries) will host the event. Special judges include Syon Bhanot (Economics), Bruny Alonso Orama ’22 (Admissions), Val Gomez (Athletics), Tiffany Thompson (Student Affairs), Rich Wicentowski (Computer Science).

Pre-registration is encouraged (but not required) to help us gauge our food order. People can compete in teams of up to six people. Not part of a team, no worries, most folks came as singles last year and were matched with a team. It’s a great way to meet new people!

September 26, 2024

The Lie Detectives: Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age

Speaker: Sasha Issenberg '02 (Political Science Department  at UCLA)

Location: 7:30 - 9pm, Science Center 101 - Chang Hou Hall Tiered Classroom

Campus Organizer: Political Science Department

Abstract: Political campaigns around the world are readying for the busiest election year in human history, and few issues are as urgent for candidates and parties as how to handle the barrage of online disinformation. What is the best way to fight back against lies? A decade after veteran political reporter Sasha Issenberg wrote The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns—which Politico called “Moneyball for politics”—he returned to that sphere to explore how the new online landscape has forced those who run campaigns to rethink everything they thought they knew about how to reach and move voters. THE LIE DETECTIVES: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age is the story of the hitherto unknown political operatives who have been leading the political class as it grapples the problem of how to handle online disinformation —or use it to their own advantage—in a vexing challenge that unites campaigners worldwide. “Unlike other forms of campaign innovation, which were shaped by unique local factors like national election laws, disinformation presented common challenges to campaigns worldwide,” Issenberg writes in the introduction. “By 2022, every democratic nation had endured at least one national vote in which disinformation was accepted as an unavoidable part of modern electoral politics.... The element of surprise was gone, but I had no idea what it meant to be prepared.”

From tracking falsehoods as they move from the dark corners of the Internet to the mainstream news, to deciding when and how to confront them, THE LIE DETECTIVES shows what slippery and confounding work this can be. When the rogue actor posting rumors or deep fakes could be a foreign government trying to meddle in American elections, or a political candidate whose staff is trying to win this election, or just someone with access to artificial-intelligence tools who wants to stir the pot—a previously simple crisis-management episode can turn into a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. In the book, Issenberg takes the reader across the United States, and to Brazil during its contentious 2022 election season, drawing back the curtain on how campaigns track online threats, and revealing their state-of-the-art strategies for defusing disinformation and re-building trust between voters and candidates so lies can’t take hold in the first place.

Sasha Issenberg is a journalist and the author of four previous books, including The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns and, most recently, The Engagement: America’s Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage. He is a correspondent for Monocle, and has written for New York, the New York Times Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Politico Magazine. He teaches in the UCLA Department of Political Science.