Sorensen in the News
Jan 31 2010 - 11:09pm
In its Sunday editorial today, the Roanoke Times presented a thoughtful look at the work and mission of the Sorensen Instiute.
If a new generation of politicians does not get caught up in today's zero-sum politics, the General Assembly might dare to set aside rigid ideology and deal pragmatically with the challenges ahead.
Jan 6 2010 - 9:38am
The Sorensen Institute's Bob Gibson and Coy Barefoot participated in a panel discussion recently in Charlottesville exploring civility in public debate and discourse. The event was sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression and titled "Free Speech or Disruption: Balancing the Rights to Speak and Hear."
Panelists included Bob Gibson, Executive Director of the Sorensen Institute; Elaine Jones, retired Director-Counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the first African-American woman to graduate from the UVa School of Law; Robert O'Neil, Director of the Thomas Jefferson Center and former President of the University of Virginia; Dahlia Lithwick, Senior Editor for Slate.com and a Contributing Editor to Newsweek; and John Whitehead, CEO and Founder of the Rutherford Institute. Coy Barefoot served as the moderator.
This was a fascinating conversation that explored from many angles the role of civility in public discourse today. Click here to watch a complete video of the event.
Nov 16 2009 - 11:28am
Sorensen's Bob Gibson is the author of an essay about civility in politics— published in Sunday's Daily Progress.
Now is the time for an injection of a little civility into the body politic. Many politicians have succumbed to a political swine flu of sorts. They behave a bit like pigs as they slop through campaigns and sessions of Congress trying to slime opponents with objectionable labels and ill motives. Americans are free people, a Fluvanna County friend said recently, so that “Babbling idiots have the right to tarnish their public character just as poorly run businesses in a free market should have the right to fail. In this way, hopefully incivility takes care of itself.” The friend, Stephen Scott, added, “I don’t think we should attempt to codify civility too much lest it become a form of control on free speech.” As a First Amendment guy, I concur. Let the crude, rude and socially ugly characters lose their own arguments as the public reacts to punish outrageous attacks.
Nov 10 2009 - 10:05am
The University of Virginia's Cavalier Daily has a story in today's issue about the successes of Sorensen graduates in the recent elections. The article includes interviews with Bob Gibon and James Brown (CTP Spring 09), who was elected Sheriff in Charlottesville last week.
Nov 9 2009 - 11:49am
This morning's edition of the Staunton News Leader spotlights the success of Sorensen graduates in the recent elections.
The University of Virginia's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership offers two political training programs to those interested in becoming more active in public service in Virginia – be they Republicans, Democrats or independents. In the wake of Tuesday's elections, it's clear that the programs are working.
Nov 5 2009 - 2:02pm
Sorensen's Bob Gibson was a guest on WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi Show yesterday discussing the results of Election 2009. Click here or photo above for video and audio.
Oct 20 2009 - 9:19am
Sorensen's Bob Gibson was one of a handful of Virginia journalists who appeared on WMRA's Virginia Insight program yesterday to discuss the governor's race. Click here for the podcast.
Oct 19 2009 - 2:13pm
Public radio station WVTF, which broadcasts throughout southwest, southside and central Virginia, aired this story about the Sorensen Institute this morning. Interviews included Chris Fairchild (PLP 08), Mike Farruggio (PLP 06), and Regional Board member Kelli Palmer.
Sep 23 2009 - 9:54am
Paul Harris, the Vice Chairman of the Sorensen Institute's State Advisory Board, was a guest yesterday afternoon on Cox Communications Local Edition program, which will be broadcast throughout the northern Virginia region in coming weeks on its Headline News channel.
Paul was interviewed about the Sorensen Institute and the launch of our recruiting season for the 2010 Political Leaders Program and the Candidate Training Program. Applications are now being accepted through November 9.
We will post a copy of the interview with Paul as soon as it is available.
Jun 24 2009 - 10:28pm
Two members of the College Leaders Program Class of 2009 were guests this afternoon on "Charlottesville—Right Now!" on NewsRadio 1070 WINA. Check it out!
