The Washington Political Scene

From left to right: Cokie Roberts,
Steve Roberts, University Librarian Artemis Kirk
and Library Advisory Council member
Paul Anthony

Georgetown's community had the opportunity on January 30th to listen to the insights of Cokie and Steve Roberts at the third annual Casey·McIlvane Lecture in the Bunn Intercultural Center Auditorium on campus. Roseanne McIlvane Casey G'79, co-founder with niece Nancy McIlvane Del Genio F'82 of the lecture series, introduced Cokie and Steve, remarking on the aptness of the title of their recent book From This Day Forward.

"The Washington Political Scene" was the evening's theme, and the Roberts' talk focused primarily on the current presidency, with emphasis on the State of the Union Address that had taken place earlier in the week. Steve focused more on the foreign implications of the speech and Cokie the domestic. Both made observations about President Bush's development and growth in office, and the lessons he has had to learn from September 11th and the ensuing war on terrorism. A question and answer session followed, moderated by Library Advisory Council member Paul Anthony. Question topics ranged through such subjects as journalistic objectivity, outreach to the Muslim World, former presidential candidate Al Gore, and maintaining a good marriage while in the political spotlight.

Steve Roberts is the Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University and contributing editor for U.S. News. Cokie Roberts is the chief congressional analyst for ABC News and the co-anchor of the ABC News Sunday morning broadcast, "This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts." In addition to her work for ABC, she serves as a news analyst for National Public Radio. The Roberts have strong family ties to Georgetown University and touched on the value of a Jesuit education in their presentation.

The evening had the added distinction of being the first live webcast of a Georgetown University Library event. The archive can be viewed here. We invite those unable to attend the event to see it in its entirety. Those of you who were there may enjoy revisiting the evening's remarks online.