Kedrowski’s presentation will discuss one of the rituals of American democracy—the quadrennial debates between the Democratic and Republican nominees for president—with a focus on 1960 to the present. In addition to providing a historical perspective, Kedrowski will discuss what we’ve seen so far in the 2024 election season.
“Presidential candidate debates are a relatively new addition to presidential campaigns, even as we have come to expect them. This lecture will cover the evolving nature of these debates,” said Kedrowski.
Kedrowski teaches courses in American politics and conducts research on women in American politics and civic engagement. She joined the Iowa State faculty in January 2019. Prior to coming to Iowa State, Kedrowski spent 24 years at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she served in many roles, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She also received Winthrop’s highest faculty honor, Distinguished Professor, in 2011. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and the University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Constitution Day, also known as Constitution and Citizenship Day, is a federal observance commemorating the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the U.S. Constitution. The Lectures Program has hosted a constitution-related event every year since the 1980s, first as part of the National Affairs series of events and in recent years as a Constitution Day event.
The 2024 lecture is sponsored by the Catt Center, Department of Political Science, and Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government).