Politicians undergo extensive training to avoid directly answering questions and to “stay on message” by pivoting to their prepared answers. But is this well-established practice eroding faith in these same politicians and, by extension, our democracy? And what effect may it have had on the 2024 election?

Join a panel of experts to discuss the history of this practice, its pros and cons, and what can be done to get a straight answer from a politician. This event will be moderated by Gordon Stables. Speakers are listed below. 

• Christina Bellantoni, director, USC Annenberg’s Media Center
• Robert Shrum, professor of the practice of political science; director, Center for the Political Future and the Unruh Institute of Politics, USC Dornsife
• Adam Nagourney, National Political reporter, New York Times
• Mindy Romero, assistant professor (research), USC Price School; founder and director, Center for Inclusive Democracy

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