Ep 312. Lynn Vavreck, Paul Pierson

Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 312 features Lynn Vavreck and Paul Pierson as guests on the show. Lynn Vavreck is a professor of political science and communication studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she is also a co-director of the UCLA Political Data Science Project. Her area of expertise is in political campaigns, elections, and media. Paul Pierson is a professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is also a co-director of the Berkeley Center for Comparative Politics. His work focuses on the study of American politics, with an emphasis on economic inequality, social policy, and political institutions.

In this episode, Tavis Smiley welcomes the two academics to discuss the current political climate in the United States. They dive into topics like the policies surrounding the upcoming presidential election, the influence of social media on political campaigns, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. Tavis Smiley invites his guests to share their insights on how the current political climate will affect future elections, both locally and nationally.

Lynn Vavreck and Paul Pierson have extensive backgrounds in political science and have published a number of articles, books, and research papers on the subject. Their expertise in American politics has made them sought-after members of the academic community, and in this episode of Tavis Smiley, they share their insights with the audience.

Throughout the interview, Tavis Smiley asks his guests to elaborate on their thoughts about various political issues. The discussion ranges from the role of polling in political campaigns to the issue of voter suppression in the United States. They delve into the debates surrounding healthcare policy and discuss the potential impact of the Republican tax plan.

Lynn Vavreck and Paul Pierson offer their perspectives on the state of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces in trying to regain power in Congress. They also discuss the larger implications of the current political climate for American society and the future of democracy in the country.

In addition to their insights on politics, Lynn Vavreck and Paul Pierson also share personal stories about their journey into the field of political science. Tavis Smiley invites them to reflect on the current state of academia and the broader challenges facing students and teachers in higher education.

Overall, Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 312 offers a thoughtful exploration of the current political climate in the United States. Building on the expertise of its guests, the episode delves into complex political issues and offers critical insights about the state of American democracy.