UEA welcomes former members of the US Congress to campus
By: Communications
In the aftermath of a heated presidential election, the Arthur Miller Institute for American Studies welcomed former representatives Cheri Bustos and Bob Dold to campus for a wide-ranging discussion about US politics.
Supported by the American Embassy, the Congress to Campus programme is run by the Eccles Institute for the Study of the Americas and Oceania. UEA is one of only two UK partners in the programme, and this is the second year it has come to campus.
Representatives Bustos and Dold spoke at an event exclusively for UEA students and staff, as well as welcoming more than 100 A-level politics students to campus for a second event.
Topics covered included the future of the Republican and Democratic parties, the potential impact of the upcoming second Trump term of office, why much of US politics is not as partisan as (social) media makes it appear, and what it’s really like to work at the coal face of national government.
Dr Emma Long, Director of the Miller Institute and Head of the Department of American Studies at UEA, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Congress to Campus programme to UEA.
“We value our partnership with the Eccles Institute and the American Embassy, which allows us to bring this remarkable opportunity to hear first-hand about life in American politics to both the UEA community, and to the Norfolk and Suffolk community of A-level students and teachers.”
Students and staff were treated to stories, including what it is like to work with former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and how to raise several million dollars to run a campaign. They also heard insights into being a good candidate and legislator, and reflections on some of the key issues shaping American politics today – perhaps inspiring some politicians of the future.
Image L-R: Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Bob Dold (R-IL)
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