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April 2005

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Donna Brazille delivers lecture
By Caitlin Collins '05

   On March 22, Donna Brazille delivered a lecture titled, “New Frontier in American Politics- Women & Minorities” in the Connelly Cinema. Sponsored by Women’s Studies, the lecture was introduced by Dr. Helen Lafferty who spoke of Brazille’s competence, truthfulness and sincerity. 

   Currently an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voter’s Rights committee, Brazille was the campaign manager of the 2000 Gore-Lieberman campaign. She was the first African American presidential campaign manager. In addition, Brazille is a regular commentator on CNN and MSNBC as well as a fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and founder of her own political consulting firm. 

   Brazille interjected humor throughout her lecture and began by saying, “it’s good to be back in a blue state.” She told the story of her childhood in Louisiana and shared personal experiences that brought her to the places she has been. Although she managed to keep her speech light hearted by routing for Villanova basketball, and talking about the “bi-partisan block” she lives on in Washington DC, her message was a serious one.

   It is Brazille’s belief that it is time for women and minorities to assume a more active role in politics. Sharing her personal story, she said she became involved in politics because involvement can make a difference in the lives of everyone, which is why she believes women and minorities must assert themselves. Brazille learned her first political lesson at the age of nine when worked to get 300 signatures to build a playground in her neighborhood. These lessons have transcended time for her. She told the audience that getting involved is the way to “enhance quality of life.” 

   “Women and minorities should become front line soldiers,” Brazille asserted. Despite the fact that more women vote than men in America and have since 1964, she noted that the United States is the 59^th country in the world for women’s participation in government.  Although the figures are staggering, Brazille said, “I know that we will see a woman in the White House.” Brazille brought her message close to home when she told the audience Pennsylvania ranks 46^th out of the 50 states for female voter participation. 

   Brazille discussed President Bush’s initiatives to help women in Iraq. However, she challenged the country to realize that “it’s time to work to ensure full participation of women here at home.” For Brazille, it is time for women to get back into the mainstream.  She said that she is “proud to come from a long line of women who are not afraid to shake things up,” and hopes that more women will have the fire and guts to live their dreams. 

   When discussing Republican politicians such as Condoleezza Rice, Brazille said, “even if disagree with them, I’m glad to see that they are at the table.” Telling the audience she is pleased to see some “color” in the Bush administration she shared her belief that “women and minorities in politics expand the way we see leaders.” 

   Urging the young people in the audience to get involved in politics, Brazille shared her “recipe for success.” The “recipe” included courage, humility, early planning, and a positive outlook. Sharing her conviction that democracy starts at home Brazille ended the main part of her lecture by saying, “the greatest harvest is the one we all participate in.” 

   During the question and answer period Brazille was asked about the Democratic Party, she joked that “the Democratic Party is not dead, it’s just gone fishing.” Brazille believes that Howard Dean must re-energize the Democratic Party and train a new generation of activists. According to her, the Democratic Party needs to stand for something and let America know what it stands for, framing the debate. Brazille shared the party needs to share values that resonate with the American people and noted that Dean “has to do more than get us a new message, he has to get us a fight song.”