SIU’s Paul Simon Institute to host political scientist, author Norm Ornstein

September 10, 2024

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Political scientist Norm Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, will assess the 2024 presidential campaign during a virtual discussion hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Monday, Sept. 16.

Ornstein will join John Shaw, institute director, at 10 a.m. to discuss the presidential and congressional campaigns, along with his background as a political analyst. Part of the institute's "Understanding Our New World" series of virtual conversations, the event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to gain access to the Zoom webinar. Visit paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/events to register.

Ornstein, a senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute, has been studying politics, elections and the U.S. Congress for more than four decades. He has been involved in political, campaign finance and election reform, along with reforms in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

"Norm Ornstein is a deeply respected analyst of American politics. He has written important books about Congress, the presidency, elections and the major political parties. He is frequently called upon to explain the complexities of American politics," Shaw said. "We are eager to learn his views on the campaign between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as well as his assessment of the battle to control of Congress. No one has a more nuanced grasp of American politics than Norm Ornstein."

Shaw noted that Ornstein is a prolific author about American politics, writing major articles, op-eds and books. He is the co-author with Thomas Mann of two highly influential books about American politics: "The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track" and "It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism."

Ornstein has also appeared on C-SPAN, CBS, CNN, the Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NPR and the PBS NewsHour, along with other outlets, and served as an election analyst for CBS News for 30 years.

A native of Minnesota, Ornstein earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and doctorate from the University of Michigan.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions on the registration form or email questions to [email protected].

More information, a list of the institute's upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.

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