Oakland University
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

OU's Election Experts provide political insight, community resource

By Katie Land, news editor


As this November’s presidential election draws near, Oakland University has established a team of experts to help guide the community and local media through the election experience.

Over the past several months, faculty members from the Political Science Department have provided political insight into possible outcomes and campaign tactics. These professors have offered their expertise to local and national reporters, TV and radio stations, contributed analysis to a faculty blog and conducted real-time discussions with followers on Twitter

“When we talk to the press it continues to let people know that Oakland University is engaged with the electoral process and the community,” said David Dulio, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Political Science Department.


David Dulio
“At the same time, students should be engaged with this because it impacts them. Each and every student on campus is, I'm sure, worried about what their job prospects are when they graduate. The next president is going to try, to the extent they can, to help create jobs or an economic environment that will help employers hire more workers.”

Thus far, the team has offered insight and analysis of the three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate leading up to the election on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

“I think most people would agree that the economy is the most important issue, with jobs and job growth an important part of the overall issue of the economy,” said John Klemanski, Ph.D., professor of political science. “In Michigan, the automobile bailout helped a bit, but we still are worried about unemployment and economy-related issues such as the large number of mortgage foreclosures.”

“I hope our work has had a positive impact on the community,” Dr. Dulio added. “I hope our comments are able to inform and provide some insight into what is happening in politics.”

John Klemanski
The results and impact of the election will be discussed at the Campaign Roundup event, set for 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Oakland Center Gold Rooms. The event is free and open to the public. To register for the Campaign Roundup, click here.

The event will feature five well-respected panelists including Chuck Stokes from WXYZ-TV, Christy McDonald from Detroit Public Television, Rich Robinson from the Michigan Campaign Finance Institute, Bernie Porn from the polling firm EPIC-MRA, and Terri Towner, assistant professor of political science.

“Throughout my career, I have held a strong belief that a university, especially a public university, should serve not only its students and alumni, but also the public in general,” Dr. Klemanski continued. “In political science, we take a special interest in our departmental alumni, but are also very mindful of the importance of general outreach to the community.”

For more information about OU’s election experts, view the website at oakland.edu/pundits.

OU has established a team of experts to help guide the community and local media through the election experience this november.

Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Article Start Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2012