Homecoming and the 2018 Political Climate

Full House Professor John McGlennon leads a discussion with Alumni regarding the Midterm Elections during Homecoming

Main Factors Professor John McGlennon explains overarching trends in politics and election-specific intricacies are the two main factors at work in any elections

First Welcome Chair, Paul Manna speaks with the first family to arrive in Tyler Hall for Homecoming

The Three Musketeers International Relations Director, Maurits van der Veen; Economics Department Chair, Berhanu Abegaz; and Public Policy Director, John Gilmour look out at the crowd during opening remarks

In Memoriam The Government Department debuts the political buttons donated by Donna Robusto Krache '78 in honor of her late husband, David Krache

In Good Company Professor T.J. Cheng shares a conversation with former student

by Emily Saylor | October 30, 2018

The Government Department continued to prove that its students are passionate about and involved in Government Department Chair, Paul Manna welcomes the crowd the current political climate during the Tyler Hall Homecoming Alumni Brunch on October 20th. Professor John McGlennon gave a lecture on the upcoming midterm elections to a room of fifty-plus alumni. Involved in careers surrounding state, national, and local affairs, these previous students packed into the room to hear his presentation.

There are two main factors at work in any election. The first is overarching trends in politics. Different matters, including presidential approval, economic conditions, variances in policy, and partisan differentials, are often “baked into an election far before November,” says McGlennon, long before election day rolls around. Despite their large role in elections, candidates can do little to affect these fundamentals during their campaign. The hype of news and media coverage of daily polling can be tempting to buy into, however McGlennon’s perspective suggests the context of past midterms long-term trends are an important component of understanding any election.

Donna Robusto Krache '78 poses in front of her late husband, David Karuche's political button collection The second factor addresses the current climate and election-specific intricacies. Parsing out unique differences between elections that have meaning is tricky, but a vital aspect of having a full understanding of the Economics faculty members driving forces behind any race for public office. The uncommon disparity between a prosperous economy and low presidential approval ratings is of interest, as the two tend to match each other closely. The next two weeks may prove to be critical for winning votes if such unusual trends continue.

As to the outcome of the election, McGlennon wouldn't say. If the attendance of the lecture is any indication, however, it’s clear the people are listening and preparing to make their voices heard come November 6th.

Emeritus Government faculty member, Ron Rapoport "Having a discussion accompany this year’s Homecoming brunch was a new effort for us,” said Government chair Paul Manna. “At previous brunches our alums had requested a chance to, as they have said, ‘learn again’ from their professors, and we were glad to provide that opportunity with this year’s election discussion. It was a great success.” As a result, the Government faculty look forward to providing these kinds of opportunities during future Homecoming weekends as yet another way to connect to its alumni.