Posted by BEN BEAUMONT – PBS host Gwen Ifill, author of “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama,” discussed the changing view of race in American politics today at the Clinton School
Citing the breakthrough political campaigns of Obama, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Alabama Congressman Artur Davis, Ifill argued that the black political structure of the Civil Rights Movement has given way to this new generation of politicians.
Ifill moderates the popular PBS program “Washington Week” and also serves as a correspondent for “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” Her 30-year career in journalism includes stints with The New York Times, The Washington Post and NBC News, among others. She also moderated the vice presidential debates during the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections.
Introduced by Clinton School student Regina Wilkerson, of Pine Bluff, Ark., Ifill drew more than 350 people for her lecture. She took questions from the audience and signed copies of her book after. Video of her lecture will be posted soon at www.clintonschoolspeakers.com.
Gwen Ifill give a Clinton School lecture on race and politics.