March 21, 2012
Political expert Charlie Cook to present lecture
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- One of the nation’s leading non-partisan political experts will share his thoughts on the 2012 elections next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Charlie Cook, publisher of “The Cook Political Report,” and a political analyst for NBC News, will provide his insights on the nation’s current political trends at 7 p.m., Monday, March 26, in the Student Center Auditorium. Admission is free and the public is welcome.
The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is sponsoring the lecture. The lecture will also be available via live stream for free on the Institute’s website, paulsimoninstitute.org/.
Media Availability
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to attend a media availability with national political analyst Charlie Cook at 1:15 p.m., Monday, March 26, in the Institute lobby, 1231 Lincoln Drive, in the old U.S. Forestry Building. For more information, contact Matt Baughman, associate director at 618/453-4009 or 618/201-0082.
Cook has appeared on all the major television network news programs to offer his insights. He is a political analyst for the National Journal Group, and writes regularly for “National Journal” magazine and “CongressDailyAM.” Prior to joining the National Journal Group in 1998, he wrote a twice-weekly column in “Roll Call,” the newspaper of Capitol Hill. Prior to serving as an election night analyst for NBC since 1994, Cook worked in the same capacity for CBS in 1990 and 1992.
“We are excited to be hosting my friend Charlie Cook and he is most gracious to come here,” said David Yepsen, Institute director. “Charlie is simply one of the best there is when it comes to analyzing politics and handicapping political campaigns. This is a busy time for political reporters and analysts, but it’s a perfect time to hear from a guest of his stature.
“We’ve got an interesting and unexpected Republican race unfolding, then a general election contest and battles for congressional and senate seats all over the country. Anyone interested in an objective, insightful look at this year’s election will be interested in this lecture,” Yepsen said.
While at SIU Carbondale, Cook will also spend time with students at a lunch program, and have an informal visit with a “Campaigns and Elections” class in the political science department.
For more information on the program, contact the Institute at 618/453-4009 or visit paulsimoninstitute.org/.