Institute of Politics

Pritzker Fellow Matt Gorman on "Debates: The Prep, Pageantry & Process" (Current UChicago Students Only) Wednesday, February 7 12:30-1:45 PM There’s nothing like a presidential debate. Nothing. Campaigns can be won or lost in a few seconds behind a podium, all live on TV. And yet, most people don’t actually know what goes on behind the scenes. How do campaigns and the press prepare for them? Why are they so important? What does their future look like? Who picks lines like “I've had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT," and how does the candidate choose when to land it? Matt will take you from preparing the candidate to spinning the press and everything in between with someone who has done it at the highest levels, Mari Will. Special Guest (via Zoom): Mari Will, former White House Communications Director & Longtime Republican Debate Consultant Pritzker Fellows seminars are off the record and open to current UChicago students only. Seating in the IOP Living Room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Sarah Palmisciano (spalmisciano@uchicago.edu).