A former U.S. attorney and one of America’s best-known political consultants will converge on stage a 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a night of political debate.
Alberto Gonzales, past White House counsel to President George W. Bush, will face-off with James Carville, “The Ragin’ Cajin,” known for helping steer political underdogs to landslide victories. The two will meet in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.
The first round of the debate will center on immigration, while the second half will address other controversial topics.
Gonzales was appointed as the 80th attorney general of the United States and became the first Hispanic to lead the nation’s largest law enforcement office. The former attorney general played a vital role in the administration’s fight in the war on terror and addressing the changing role of the Department of Justice after 9/11.
Carville is an American political commentator, media personality and prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He gained national attention for his work as the lead strategist of the successful 1992 campaign of then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton.
“We’re thrilled to have two politicians, as well as historical figures, of their caliber on campus at the same time for a debate,” said Grant Andree, director of Arts & Issues.
“This is a terrific opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the community to hear what they have to say. It should be a very entertaining night.”
The event is sponsored by the SIUE Foundation, the SIUE Graduate School and the Emeriti Faculty Association.
It is presented by Arts & Issues, the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences’ Colloquium and the Greater St. Louis Humanities Festival.
For tickets and information, visit the SIUE Dunham Hall Arts & Issues Box Office, the SIUE Morris University Center Information Booth, artsandissues.com or call (618) 650-5774.
The Arts & Issues series brings artistic excellence to the SIUE campus through an eclectic blend of speakers and performers. For more than 29 years, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has showcased some of the world’s finest artists. Each season, thought-provoking speakers inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the underwriting of SIUE, corporations, foundations and individual donors, tickets are often discounted as much as 75 percent.
Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University and offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the community, to engage with performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions.
Photo Information:
James Carville and Alberto Gonzales