About this Event
Organized by Vanderbilt University’s Center for Global Democracy, this event will convene a timely conversation about the state of democracy and governance in the U.S. just weeks before the midterm elections, when working-class voters will once again play an important role in shaping American politics.
How are working-class Americans and their interests represented in American politics today? How have political leaders and parties responded to the priorities of working-class voters? What has changed over the past two years, and will those changes persist into 2028?
The event will bring together a distinguished group of experts for a wide-ranging conversation about class, politics and the role of working-class Americans in U.S. democracy. The discussion coincides with the release of panelists Nicholas Carnes and Noam Lupu’s new book, Keeping Workers Off the Ballot (Princeton University Press), and draws on their related American Academy of Arts and Sciences report, How to Elect More Working-Class Americans and Why It Matters.
Panelists
- Nick Carnes, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, Duke University
- Oren Cass, Founder and Chief Economist, American Compass
- Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director, New Politics
- Noam Lupu, Director, Center for Global Democracy; Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science, Vanderbilt University
Moderator
- Bill Adair, Knight Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy, Duke University; Founder, PolitiFact
Event details
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
- Panel and reception, 6–8 p.m.
- Seabury Auditorium at Vanderbilt University–New York City
- Entrance at 440 W. 21st St.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Report published by:
Event venue & nearby stays
Vanderbilt University–New York City, 440 West 21st Street, New York, United States
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