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- Program
- Speaker Series
- Date
- May 21, 2026
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- Speakers
- David Axelrod, Robert Gibbs, Cody Keenan, Loretta Augustine Herron, Lisa Madigan
- Topics
- Chicago & Illinois
Join IOP founding director David Axelrod and former associates of President Barack Obama for a conversation tracing President Obama’s influences throughout his formative years. From his journey as a community organizer on the South Side to legislator in Springfield and United States Senator, we will hear about the experiences, relationships and defining moments that forged our 44th President’s instincts, voice, and vision.
Featuring Robert Gibbs, Barack Obama White House Press Secretary, Cody Keenan, former director of speech writing for Barack Obama, Loretta Augustine Herron, South Side native and community organizer and Lisa Madigan, former IOP Pritzker Fellow and Illinois Attorney General who served alongside President Obama as Illinois State Senator. Moderated by David Axelrod.
- David Axelrod IOP Founding Director CNN Senior Political Commentator
- Robert Gibbs Former White House Press Secretary, Senior Counsel, Bully Pulpit Interactive, Member, The University of Chicago Institute of Politics Board of Advisors
- Cody Keenan Former Chief Speechwriter for President Obama; Author of "Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America"
- Loretta Augustine Herron South Side native and community organizer
- Lisa Madigan Winter 2019 Pritzker Fellow, The University of Chicago Institute of Politics, Former Illinois Attorney General