Head of School Chris Fortunato and Blair’s scholar-in-residence, Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, led a lively discussion of the “Presidential Politics of the Pandemic” during Blair’s April 17 virtual Head of School Roundtable. More than 20 students and faculty members participated in the online event, which focused on the 2020 presidential election and how President Trump and former Vice President Biden might retain or build upon their constituencies amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The group considered a variety of topics, including former President Obama’s endorsement of former Vice President Biden, what Mr. Biden must do to compete with President Trump in the age of virtual campaigning and a pandemic, and the effectiveness of the president’s daily briefings as compared to his rallies. Dr. McCarthy, a professor at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a visiting professor of public service and social justice at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, offered insight into each issue gleaned from his decades of experience as a scholar, teacher, public servant and human rights activist. 

For Marc Koch ’22, the most interesting part of the evening was the discussion of how Mr. Biden’s campaign has progressed throughout the pandemic while other politicians’ campaigns have diminished. “I attended the Roundtable because I enjoy listening to Dr. McCarthy and learning from all the information he has to offer,” he said. “The experience gives me insight on what is going on beyond this crisis and how it will affect the next presidential campaign. I especially enjoy that we students can still ask in-person questions even though it is over a video chat with more than 25 people on the stream!”

History teacher Martin Miller, PhD, and Dean of Campus Life and Director of Leadership Programs Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 were among several faculty members who participated in the Roundtable, and both appreciated the opportunity to connect with students and Dr. McCarthy. "I enjoyed the wide-ranging discussion as Dr. McCarthy evaluated the political impact of President Trump's statements and policies during the pandemic, and also noted the constraints and opportunities faced by the presumptive Democratic candidate, Joe Biden," Dr. Miller said. 

“It’s great to hear from Tim,” Ms. Conforti-Browse added. “He has such a wide and deep knowledge and perspective of the election. I always look forward to hearing his views.”

For his part, Dr. McCarthy expressed gratitude to Mr. Fortunato for making Head of School Roundtables a regular part of Blair’s intellectual life, especially during a time when physical distancing prevents everyone from gathering in the same place for such vital conversations. “The Roundtables we have held these last two weeks have confirmed for me that people are really hungry to discuss how the unprecedented events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected our politics and way of life,” he said. “It is clear that the 2020 election will be unlike any election in our lifetime, so I'm inspired by how many members of the Blair community want to be engaged in these discussions and debates on a regular basis. I'm excited that we will continue these Roundtables throughout the spring."

Mr. Fortunato is also looking forward to continuing to bring students and faculty together through weekly Roundtables. “Particularly during this time of crisis, it is vitally important that Blair community members connect with one another to more deeply examine the events that are shaping our world,” he concluded.