News
Articles about events and initiatives at the Center for the Political Future and Unruh Institute, as well as contributions from our team to significant publications in California and beyond.
Daily Trojan - Students bite into politics and pizza
The USC Daily Trojan highlighted CPF's Pizza and Politics Series, an event series where CPF Fellows engage with students in small group conversations on current events, their careers, and whatever is on their minds, all while enjoying pizza. Spring 2023 Fellows are: former U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop, political strategist Bill Carrick, retired State Senator Martha Escutia, former senior speechwriter John McConnell, Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning reporter Hank Plante, former Los Angeles County District Attorney Ira Reiner, and When We All Vote Executive Director Stephanie Young.
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Newsweek - Can GOP's Culture War Gamble Help it Win in 2024?
CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan spoke to Paul Bond of Newsweek on how culture wars are sure to play a role in the 2024 presidential elections and how they are a symptom of a bigger problem. “With neither Republicans nor Democrats pushing messages of hope and unity, the culture wars are set to be a feature of the 2024 campaign," says Akhavan.
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The Sacramento Bee - It’s on: Gavin Newsom, Republican lawmakers in D.C. launch a verbal slugfest
CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan spoke to David Lightman and Jenavieve Hatch of The Sacramento Bee on the tension between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Republican lawmakers in Congress and how this impacts California. “Newsom bashing McCarthy and the House GOP makes him (the governor) more popular with Californians and with most Democrats across the country," says Akhavan.
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Longtime Southern California Attorney Marshall Silberberg Joins CPF's Board of Councilors
The USC Center for the Political Future (CPF) is proud to welcome Marshall Silberberg, Founding Partner of The Law Office of Marshall Silberberg, as a new member of its Board of Councilors.
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Los Angeles Times - Analysis: Only a minority in the GOP sees Jan. 6 as a sad day, poll finds
CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy spoke to David Lauter of the Los Angles Times on the tactics and challenges Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy faces during his Speaker of the House bid. Ironically, every concession McCarthy has made to his opponents has only deepened the perception of him as too weak to lead, said Murphy.
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The Sacramento Bee - California GOP on McCarthy Speaker bid: ‘The Republican Party is entirely dependent on him’
CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan spoke to Jenavieve Hatch, Gillian Brassil, and David Lightman of The Sacramento Bee on Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy's Speaker of the House bid and his role as a fundraiser for the California GOP. “Kevin McCarthy is a fundraising powerhouse and the most important Republican in California. If he cannot secure the Speaker position, his fundraising ability will certainly be more difficult and the relevance of California Republicans will subsequently diminish," says Akhavan.
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Courthouse News Service - As Newsom kicks off second term, speculation about White House run grows
CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan spoke to Natalie Hanson of Courthouse News Service on California Governor Gavin Newsom's second term and positioning himself to be relevant beyond his role as California governor. “If Biden runs for a second term, Newsom may also enter the Senate race in hopes of taking Feinstein’s seat, assuming the 89-year-old retires on or before Jan. 3, 2025, when her term ends," says Akhavan.
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CityBiz - Repairing America’s Broken Democracy: Bridge Alliance Members Take Action – Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future
CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan joined David Nevins, president and CEO of Nevins & Associates, for a conversation about CPF, our mission, and bridging the political divide in this video interview. CPF is part of the Bridge Alliance coalition, joining over 90 organizations dedicated to rejuvenating America.
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USC News - USC works to get out the vote
With the midterm election just days away, CPF is leading a final push to encourage USC students, faculty, staff, and the local community to make their voice heard. “Your vote is your way to influence the outcome of these public decisions, to honor your civic duty as an American, and to join your community in shaping the future you want to see,” says CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan. CPF has partnered with USC Athletics, University Relations, Student Affairs, recognized student organizations, and other USC groups to make voting easier and more accessible.
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CalMatters - Gavin Newsom’s reelection campaign looks more like a run for president
CPF Director Bob Shrum spoke to Alexei Koseff of CalMatters on Gavin Newsom's reelection campaign for a second term as governor of California and emerging as a national leader for Democrats, positioning himself well if he wants to run for president. "You can’t time any of this perfectly, because you can’t know what the future is going to bring. So when you have an opportunity to assert a degree of national leadership, then you assert it," says Shrum.
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