President's Forum to explore ideological complexities of 2024 election on Wednesday, Oct. 16

With election day fast approaching, Americans are poised to elect their first woman president or return a highly controversial former president to office.

To most, the race seems like a clash between two divergent worldviews. But what if the political spectrum — which pits progressives on one side of an ideological spectrum and conservatives on the other — doesn’t actually exist? 

This topic and more will be explored as the University of New England hosts the next installment of its signature President’s Forum series, “Election 2024: Left, Right, or Unrecognizable?” on Wednesday evening, Oct. 16. 

The event will take place at 6 p.m. in Room 283 of the Harold Alfond Forum on UNE’s Biddeford Campus. It is free and open to the public.

Since its inception in 2018, the President’s Forum has served as a platform for thoughtful discourse, upholding academia’s critical role as the ultimate marketplace of ideas. Hosted by UNE President James D. Herbert, the forum provides a venue for diverse perspectives on the most pressing issues of our time, allowing these conversations to unfold with civility and respect for differing opinions.

With a special focus on whether America’s two main political parties are ideologically consistent enough to be viewed through the traditional left-right lens through which we understand politics, the discussion promises to offer attendees a deeper understanding of the political landscape leading up to the election on Nov. 5, 2024.

“As we approach one of the most consequential elections in our nation’s history, it is essential that we foster a space where differing perspectives can be shared openly and respectfully,” Herbert said. “This President’s Forum gives our students and community members the opportunity to engage with some of the most pressing political issues of our time. In so doing, we aim to demonstrate how civil discourse can bridge divides and inspire thoughtful, informed participation in our democracy.”

UNE welcomes four esteemed national experts to engage in this conversation:

• Verlan Lewis, Stirling Professor of Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University
• Hyrum Lewis, professor of history at Brigham Young University-Idaho
• Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University
• Robin D. Hanson, associate professor of economics at George Mason University

Brothers Verlan and Hyrum Lewis will argue that the traditional left-right political spectrum in America has disintegrated. They assert that the Democratic and Republican parties have evolved in ways that make them unrecognizable, with tribal loyalty being the only force holding them together. 

In contrast, Caplan and Hanson will counter that the political left and right remain ideologically consistent, offering a compelling exchange of views on the state of American politics.

Moderated by Shannon Zlotkowski, M.S., assistant provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNE, the event will also feature an opportunity for audience participation following the initial discussion. 

This event will also be livestreamed at www.une.edu/live.