About the Institute
June 25, 2020
Former presidential speechwriter David Litt to discuss new book “Democracy in One Book or Less” during Edward M. Kennedy Institute online program
Author and former special assistant to President Obama will highlight importance of the democratic process in historic and contemporary times
BOSTON – On Tuesday, June 30, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will host David Litt, former senior presidential speechwriter and special assistant to President Barack Obama, for a timely Getting to the Point conversation about “Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn’t, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think,” his new book released last week. This thought-provoking book traces how our democracy has changed over time, where it went awry, and why there is an urgent need to fix politics before it’s too late.
David worked at the White House from 2011 to 2016 and, in addition to writing remarks for President Obama on a wide range of domestic policy issues, he served as the lead joke writer for several White House Correspondents’ Dinner monologues. David’s New York Times bestselling memoir, “Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Changey White House Years,” was published in 2017. David served as the head writer/producer for Funny Or Die D.C. through the 2018 midterm elections, and in addition to his new book, he is currently developing a TV show based on his life in Washington, D.C.
While the Institute’s facility remains closed for now, the commitment to civic engagement and civic education is as strong and vibrant as ever. This program marks the Institute’s fifth offering held entirely online and it will be available both as a live event in addition to a recorded resource afterward. Any member of the general public who would like to attend can register here.
WHO:
• David Litt, author, former senior presidential speechwriter and special assistant to President Barack Obama
• Stephanie Murray, author of the POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook, moderator
WHAT:
Getting to the Point on Democracy with David Litt
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 1:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
This program will be conducted through a Zoom video conference. Registration is recommended and available here.
The program’s livestream can be accessed here.
This event is OPEN PRESS. RSVP to press@emkinstitute.org.
About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. Learn more via emkinstitute.org.
