Ted Sorensen. He is coming.

My friend Rivka, who knows so much more than I do about American politics, tells me to be excited. Here’s why:

From “Ask not…” to “Yes we can” — JFK’s Speechwriter on What Makes Inaugural Addresses Great

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Time: 7-8:30pm
Location: Shapiro Campus Center Theater

As special counsel and chief speechwriter to President John F. Kennedy, Theodore “Ted” Sorensen helped author one of the most memorable inaugural addresses in American history. An early supporter of Barack Obama and Chair of the board of the Ethics Center, Sorensen will discuss his career, the inaugural speeches of presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Clinton, and how Obama might best introduce his presidency to the world.

Faculty respondent Peniel Joseph. Cosponsored by the Student Union and Gen Ed Now

I note with approval that my old prof. Joseph is still undisputed king of faculty panels at these events. Go team!