Political scientists from Drake University and Iowa’s regents universities will host a panel discussion about political polarization in the United States.

The nonpartisan discussion titled “American Politics in Turmoil: The 2018 Midterm Elections” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, on Pomerantz Stage in the Olmsted Center. Topics will revolve around the influence of the current political climate on next year’s local, state, and federal midterm races. The event is free and open to the public.

Tom Rice, professor of political science at the University of Iowa, will moderate the event.
Panelists include:

• Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Iowa State University
• Rachel Paine Caufield, associate professor of political science, Drake University
• Dennis Goldford, professor of political science, Drake University
• Chris Larimer, associate professor of poliltical science, University of Northern Iowa

The event is sponsored by the political science departments at Drake University and the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa State University Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, and the University of Iowa’s Iowa Center for Higher Education.