SIUE’s Timothy Lewis a Panelist on Illinois Public Media, Weighs in on Presidential Debate

SIUE's Timothy Lewis a Panelist on Illinois Public Media, Weighs in on Presidential Debate

September 13, 2024, 5:50 PM

News outlets across the country were focused on Tuesday's presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Illinois Public Media's program, "The 21st Show" joined the conversation. Host Brian Mackey led the discussion with fact checking experts, among them was Timothy Lewis, PhD, associate professor of political science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Lewis was one of three political scientists consulted for the program, which aired Wednesday, Sept. 11. Lewis contributed his political historical knowledge to the talk, informing listeners about the racial identity of presidential candidates.

"Kamala Harris is not the first Black woman to run for the presidency," said Lewis. "In 1968 Civil Rights activist Charlene Mitchell ran under the communist party ticket, and then in 1972 Shirley Chisholm launched her historical campaign to be the Democratic party's candidate. Vice President Harris is not the first, but she is the first woman of color as she is Black and Indian American to be a candidate for a major political party."

Lewis warned that racial identity can become the point of attack from another candidate.

"While there is room for celebration as these individuals like Kamala Harris continue to break glass ceilings, that celebration is unfortunately accompanied by some of those vitriolic racial attacks," said Lewis.

Lewis continued to weigh in on the role of racial identity and how it appeared in subtle ways during the debate.

"The 21st Show" is a public radio talk show that delivers news, culture and stories pertinent to Illinois. Listen to the full episode on Illinois Public Media's website.

PHOTO: Timothy Lewis