Welcome

Welcome and thank you for visiting the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication, where academic research fosters public engagement and relevant political issues top the agenda.

I encourage you to take a few moments and explore the CPC website. You will find links to our 2018 National Agenda program, videos of our events, CPC polling and research results, and our Midterm Matters Podcast. More importantly, you can find information as to how to join us at one of our upcoming events. The CPC strives to meet the challenges of this extraordinary era in political communication with diverse and compelling initiatives and programs.   

What do a 16-year-old political journalist and a former vice president have in common with a Cuban American comedian? They are speakers featured as part of the CPC’s National Agenda program. The series connects the expected with the unexpected to foster a greater understanding of the political issues facing our nation. National Agenda is just one example of how the CPC addresses political communication and pressing issues while engaging the public.

The Voices Audio Essay Contest connects the personal stories of University of Delaware students with a broader audience through Delaware Public Media and the University’s radio station WVUD. Through their essays, students help bridge divides by asking listeners to connect with their emotional struggles on topics such as racism, disabilities, and harassment. Listen to the winning essays from the 2017–18 contest here.

The emotions of the electorate come into focus with the CPC's national public opinion polls. We learn voters are angry and distrustful of those who do not share their political views. Our polls and affiliated faculty research projects, sponsored by the CPC, are recognized nationally in academic journals and media publications. The scope of these efforts reflects the CPC’s mission as a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center fostering public engagement and academic research.

Nearly ten years ago when social media and its use by decision makers had just begun, the CPC was created to examine the impact of new technologies on political discourse. Today, tracking Twitter feeds and social media accounts are as common as checking news headlines. The CPC was and remains at the forefront of understanding the intersection of political communication methods and influence, and as CPC director I am proud of how our efforts are informing and engaging University of Delaware students and our broader community.