Governor Howard Dean will discuss politics, and look back at his presidential run, in Levin Ballroom tonight

Howard Dean

Former Vermont governor, Democratic National Committee chair, and presidential candidate Howard Dean will talk about his political career and current national political debates on Thursday, April 15 in Levin Ballroom. After his speech, Governor Dean will take questions from the audience. Doors will open for the 8 p.m. event at 7:15 p.m. A Brandeis ID is required to enter, and seating is limited.

Dean rose to national prominence during his 2004 presidential campaign, when he effectively tapped into the college-age vote with a grassroots strategy that was funded, in large measure, through small donations over the Internet. While he eventually dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination, Dean later played influential roles in the next two election cycles, when, serving as DNC chair from 2005-2009, he helped Democrats recapture majorities in both houses of Congress and win back the White House.

Justin Backal-Balik '10, vice president of the Brandeis Democrats and former head of Students for Obama, says Dean energized and inspired young voters at Brandeis and across the country during Obama’s 2008 campaign. “Brandeis students actively engaged in the election, with 50 of our students volunteering for Election Day in New Hampshire. As DNC chair, Howard Dean spent a great deal of time leading up to the election focusing on turning out new young voters for Democrats,” Backal-Balik said.

He continued, “While his speech will cover a wide range of topics, the main thing we want students to take away from this event is that the enormous energy people put into 2008 can't be just a one time event. Governor Dean will speak to the importance of continued engagement in the political process both in this midterm year and beyond. It is my hope that students, regardless of political persuasion, will all find his message of continued involvement an important one. I am also looking forward to a spirited dialogue during the question and answer session, where Brandeis students and faculty can feel free to respectfully challenge the governor or ask him about any topic of interest."

Governor Dean's talk is sponsored by the Brandeis Democrats, Democracy for America, Gen Ed Now, the Activist Resource Center, and the International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life.

This event is open to members of the Brandeis community only.