President Book to lead discussion of ‘North Carolina and the 2020 Elections’ TONIGHT

The panel discussion which comes a week after "Super Tuesday" that will see voters in more than a dozen states, including North Carolina, cast their votes in primary elections will feature prominent journalists and political scientists, including Jason Husser, associate professor of political science and director of the Elon University Poll.

As part of its annual Speaker Series, Elon University on March 10 will host a panel discussion led by Elon President Connie Ledoux Book examining the 2020 Election and the role North Carolina will play.

“North Carolina and the 2020 Elections” comes just a week after Super Tuesday on March 3 when voters in North Carolina and more than a dozen other states will cast ballots in presidential primaries, potentially narrowing the field of candidates heading toward the November election.

The event in McCrary Theatre in the Center for the Arts begins at 7 p.m. and will feature:

  • Meg Kinnard, national politics reporter, The Associated Press
  • Jim Morrill, chief political reporter, The Charlotte Observer
  • Jason Husser, associate professor of political science and director, Elon University Poll
  • Michael Blitzer, Leonard Chair of Political Science, Catawba College

North Carolina will once again be a swing state that figures prominently in the outcome of the presidential election. Leading candidates are already campaigning in North Carolina and in August, the Republican National Convention will be held in Charlotte.

The discussion promises to provide unique insights from journalists covering the election and political scientists examining its turns and trends. The discussion will pull back the curtain on how journalists are approaching their coverage and how political scientists are listening to the public. They’ll weigh in on topics like how disinformation could impact voter opinions and campaign tactics, and what issues are likely to take top billing.

The event, which is jointly sponsored by The Raleigh News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer and The Durham Herald-Sun, is free and open to the public.