This fall, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs has hosted a series of political, policy, and government-related events in their speaker series “In the News.” According to the Goldfarb website, the series is “dedicated to sparking dialogue among visiting speakers and Colby students from diverse disciplines.” So far, ten of these events have taken place over the course of the semester, with topics ranging from the Republican Party, Maine governing policy, and immigration. Taking place every Wednesday in Page Commons, these speakers have been a reliable source of political learning across campus. With the upcoming election, these events and topics are all the more relevant. Attendance, questions, and content can provide a reference point for student and campus sentiments, as well as inform the College on the turbulent political landscape ahead.
The most recent addition to the “In the News” series was on Oct. 30, titled Church and State: Understanding Religion in the Trump Era. The speaker was political journalist for The Atlantic, Tim Alberta, and the conversation was moderated by Professor of Religious Studies Joshua Urich. The hour-long talk centered around the existence of Evangelical voters as a Republican voting block, as well as how this came to be and how it may affect the upcoming election. Alberta’s responses were long-winded, although they demonstrated a deep understanding of both the religious and political motivations of many conservative Christian voters. Several audience questions were also fielded.
The next speaker in the “In the News” series will occur the day after the election on November 6th. The title is apt for the timing of the conversation: WHAT JUST HAPPENED? A post-election special of “In the News.” Wednesday’s event will feature numerous speakers instead of just one, which has been typical throughout the semester. According to Goldfarb, “Experts, members of the press, and Colby alums” will discuss, break down, and contextualize the results of the election the day prior. The conversation will be moderated by the Goldfarb Center’s executive director Alison Bayea and Goldfarb Faculty Director Professor Nick Jacobs. Although the full and complete results of the election may not be apparent by Wednesday night, the event and its speakers are committed to providing non-partisan and informative insights.
Over the past few months, the Goldfarb Center’s speaker series and election campaigning have progressed in tandem. Although keynote speakers and “In the News” will continue to occur for the next several weeks, the culmination of months of political anticipation will occur this week with the election and the following event on Wednesday. For any students, faculty, or staff at the College who are interested in gaining expert opinions and insights into the progression and results of the election, this event will be a valuable one to attend. Even though the political atmosphere may not stabilize in the coming days, it is best for everyone, especially American voters, to remain informed about the state of the election and the nation.
~ Wyatt Tune `26
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