MIDDLEBURY — Political journalist Joe Klein will speak on the campus of Middlebury College next Tuesday, April 18, on the topic “Is American Democracy Inevitable?”
A book signing will follow this, the van de Velde Memorial Lecture, which begins at 4:30 p.m. in Dana Auditorium.
Klein is a political columnist for Time magazine, and in his long career he has been heralded as one of the most astute interpreters of American politics. He has written a number of books, including the much-discussed “Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics,” which portrayed Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign. Most recently, he wrote “Charlie Mike,” a work of nonfiction that covers the return of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In his Middlebury lecture, Klein will explore the waning of public citizenry in our country over the past 70 years, a period marked broadly by peace and prosperity. He will detail how marketing has destroyed public integrity and how new entertainment and “information” options have eviscerated the sense of community necessary for an enlightened public square.
He will also outline a course of action to help us move forward.
Robert van de Velde Jr. attended Middlebury College, where he majored in Sociology and was an active member of the staff of WRMC-FM, the college radio station. Not long after his graduation, he died suddenly. Shortly after his death, family members and friends established the Robert W. van de Velde Jr. ’75 Memorial Lecture. This lecture provides an annual opportunity for a searching examination of the confluence of public affairs — both foreign and domestic — and journalism.
For further information on the lecture contact, Jim Ralph, dean for faculty development and research at Middlebury College, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 443-5320.