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NATO Summit represents historic shift
22 May 2012
ABC News Breakfast
The latest NATO summit in Chicago, only the second time the meeting has been held outside Europe, represents a shift in priorities for the organisation, says Dr Adam Lockyer. Is this another step in Obama's pivot to Asia? Watch Online
The Press v The President - a ‘Despicable Impartiality’?
17 May 2012
The Miller Centre Elections Blog
Failures of political journalism can quickly become failures of governance, thanks to the influence over elections the press has historically wielded, but how should journalists cover a campaign? Don’t ask them, says postdoctoral fellow Nicole Hemmer. Read more
Bruce Jentleson on why foreign policy matters in 2012
15 May 2012
In this interview for the US Studies Centre, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science Bruce Jentlesen discusses the importance of foreign policy in the 2012 election. Professor Jentleson says how both candidates articulate their foreign policy positions and view America's place in the world could make the difference between winning and losing a close race in 2012. Watch Online
Obama presidency a disappointment around the world
13 May 2012
Associated Press
In a world weary of war and economic crises, and concerned about global climate change, the consensus is that Obama has not lived up to the lofty expectations that surrounded his 2008 election. But Dr Adam Lockyer says Obama's focus on connections with the Asia-Pacific as authoritarian China grows have been warmly received in Australia. Read more
States will decide on gay marriage, not Obama
11 May 2012
The National Times Online
President Barack Obama's announcement that he now supports the rights of gay and lesbian couples to marry came a day after North Carolina passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. As Dr David Smith explains, while Obama's announcement was symbolically important, it is important to remember where the real power lies in America's so-called "culture wars". Read more
Will Obama's pro-gay marriage stance cost him?
10 May 2012
Sky News Paul Murray Live
Barack Obama has expressed his personal support for same sex marriage but will the benefits outweigh the costs? Dr David Smith says the announcement should be a welcome boost for the incumbent with the elections less than 6 months away. Watch Online
Obama 'evolves' on gay marriage
10 May 2012
ABC News Radio
US President Barack Obama has expressed his personal belief that same sex couples should be afforded the same rights to marriage as heterosexual Americans. As Dr David Smith notes, this is an important symbolic move that should help strengthen his re-election campaign and energize his progressive supporters. Listen Online
Obama backs same sex marriage
10 May 2012
SBS TV World News Australia
US President Barack Obama has 'evolved' and revealed his personal support for gay marriage. Dr David Smith spoke with Janice Petersen about Obama's controversial policy change, the reasons for his decision and how it will effect the race to the White House. Watch Online
Obama's support of gay marriage will energise his campaign
10 May 2012
Triple J Hack
Obama's 'evolution' on the issue of gay marriage has culminated in the announcement of his personal support for gay marriage. But with little ability to enact legislative change at a federal level, Dr Rebecca Sheehan suggests that this is a shrewd move by the incumbent with an eye to the general election in November. Listen Online
Crisis in US-China relations looms
3 May 2012
ABC Radio National Breakfast
Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has pleaded to President Obama to help get him and his family out of China just hours after being released from the US Embassy in a deal done with Chinese officials. Chair in US Media Professor James Fallows dissects the highly complex issue and what it means for Hillary Clinton's current visit to Beijing. Listen Online
Obama makes surprise visit to Kabul
2 May 2012
Sky News
On the first anniversary of Osama Bin Laden's death, President Barack Obama has made a surprise visit to Kabul to outline the plans for American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Dr Adam Lockyer says this is the first foreign policy salvo fired by the incumbent in his battle with Mitt Romney for the White House. Watch Online
Chinese dissident creates sensitive moment for Sino-US relations
1 May 2012
Australia Network Newsline
The intrigue surrounding the escape of Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng continues, with rumours the activist will be taken to the United States. US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett talks to Jim Middleton about how the issue might test relations between the two powers. Watch Online
Abortion, Obama and the independent voter
29 April 2012
ABC News Radio Inside America
This week on Inside America, US Studies Centre Research Associate John Barron talks to member of the Arizona House of Representatives Dr Matt Heinz about a new law in his state that redefines life as beginning two weeks before conception. He also analyses the increasingly important role of the independent voter in the 2012 elections. Listen Online
Romney rides Obama backlash
23 April 2012
2GB Breakfast
The Republican primary contest has a de facto winner, and his name is Mitt Romney. The election will be close, research associate Tom Switzer tells Andrew Moore, but the American public is not as enthusiastic about President Barack Obama as it was in 2008, and Romney could be the beneficiary of the backlash. Listen online
Obama the winner of Republican 'war on women'
14 April 2012
The Conversation
To win in November, Romney and the GOP must shift from a “war on women” to a battle for their votes. Postdoctoral Fellow Nicole Hemmer asks how do they do that, given the damage already done to the Republican brand? Read Online
Santorum out but Romney still has a long way to go
12 April 2012
6PR Mornings
Rick Santorum's announcement that he is suspending his campaign may give the Romney camp some much needed momentum, but Dr Adam Lockyer suggests that he still has a long way to go if he wants to wrest the Presidency away from Barack Obama in November. Listen Online
Gillard or Obama - who has it harder?
2 April 2012
Triple J Hack
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reportedly cited her single, childless and atheistic status as comparable to US President Barack Obama's race as a barrier to holding the highest office in the country. Dr Rebecca Sheehan discusses how these factors pose different challenges for each leader in a tough political climate.
US-Iran tensions continue post-nuclear summit
29 March 2012
Radio Australia Connect Asia
Iran and its nuclear ambitions continue to be the subject of much foreign affairs angst across the political spectrum. US Studies Centre Research Associate Tom Switzer examines what it means for Obama and the Republican candidates in an election year. Listen Online
The Obama presidency: Will he get four more years?
15 March 2012
ABC Radio National Breakfast
As the Republican primary contests roll on, US President Barack Obama is preparing to run an election campaign of his own. US Studies Centre Chair of Media James Fallows talks to Fran Kelly about the President's chances of re-election, and discusses his cover story for the March issue of The Atlantic magazine, for which he interviewed a multitude of sources throughout Washington and the White House to discern Obama's approach to governing. Listen online
Wounded Romney limps to uncertain contest with Obama
10 March 2012
The Australian
Mitt Romney's strong showing in the Super Tuesday primaries this week demonstrated that he will almost certainly be the Republican Party's candidate in November's presidential election, but it will be a hard slog to the nomination, says US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett. Romney will continue over the coming weeks and months as a presumptive nominee searching for momentum, looking weaker as the campaign continues. Nonetheless, even though the economy and President Barack Obama's poll numbers are improving, Republicans believe they still have a chance to win the presidency this year. Read article
Obama the big winner on Super Tuesday
7 March 2012
Australia Network Newsline
The so-called 'Super Tuesday' multi-state primaries produced a less than superlative result for any of the Republican presidential candidates, ironically making the incumbent Barack Obama seem the real winner on the day. Mitt Romney seems incapable of capturing the hearts of Republicans while Santorum cannot win over the minds. US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett analyses whether the GOP can solve this conundrum before they face Obama in November. Watch Online
Visit to US offers opportunities and challenges for China
15 February 2012
Australia Network Newsline
The man most likely to succeed Hu Jintao as China's President, Xi Jinping, was in Washington this week to meet US President Obama and discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the US-China relationship. In this Newsline report, US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett explains that the trip was important not only to cement a personal relationship between the leaders but also open up discussions on important economic, military and human rights issues that have divided them in the past. Watch Online
Obama's budget provides a road-map to the election
14 February 2012
2GB Money News
Obama's latest budget proposes a range of measures to increase taxes on the richest Americans and increase spending in some key areas to continue growing the American economy. US Studies Centre CEO Professor Geoffrey Garrett says this is as much a political statement as an economic policy. Can he harness the power of the Occupy movement and will this budget help him win a second term in November? Listen Online
South Carolina the latest twist
22 January 2012
Weekend Today (Channel Nine)
Dr David Smith discusses with Leila McKinnon the latest developments in the Republican presidential nomination race including Newt Gingrich's success in South Carolina, Mitt Romney's tax disclosure issue and the likelihood of a very tight race between Barack Obama and whoever wins the Republican nomination. David Smith is a lecturer in American politics and foreign policy at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Bill Chafe meets 'US in the World' students
19 January 2012
Professor Geoffrey Garrett and one of America's leading historians from Duke University, Professor William Chafe, examine some of the key aspects of US President Barack Obama's run for office in 2008 and how he has handled issues such as race, religion, immigration and foreign policy. Recorded on 19 October 2011. Watch Online
Politics of 2012 election reflect America's cultural crisis: expert
17 January 2012
ABC Local Radio Sydney
Tom Switzer discusses the politics of the 2012 US presidential election with Philip Clark, noting that the Republican nomination race is failing to produce a strong contender to President Obama who is himself vulnerable. Switzer adds the uncertain political climate is symptomatic of a "cultural crisis" being felt across America. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Republicans need to consider two different races this year
9 January 2012
ABC Local Radio Sydney
Tom Switzer says that to make it to the White House this year's Republican presidential candidates need to first win over enough conservatives to gain their party's nomination and then turnaround and win over the more liberal-minded swing voters to defeat Barack Obama.
Listen Online
Republican race moves to New Hampshire, Romney leads
5 January 2012
ABC Radio PM
Professor Geoffrey Garrett tells Brendan Trembath that the biggest winner from the Iowa Caucuses was Barack Obama because the Republican Party is failing to provide a clear united voice from their side of politics at a time when the President is at his most vulnerable. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Listen online
Obama's left turn gives him a chance to get things right
29 December 2011
The Sydney Morning Herald
Richard McGregor says that pragmatism and an instinct for survival have dictated the latest pivot by US President Barack Obama back to the left and to his democratic base. This is an edited extract from his essay in the latest edition of American Review published by the US Studies Centre. Read article
The real reasons for positioning US forces here
25 November 2011
The Canberra Times
Dr Adam Lockyer suggests the stationing of US forces in Australia have nothing to do with deterrance. He adds that the US, China and Australia are each focused on deepening and widening economic ties to guarantee their future prosperity in the Asian Century. Adam Lockyer is a lecturer in US politics and foreign policy at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Obama all in with US challenge to China
24 November 2011
Global Times
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says US President Barack Obama has laid down the gauntlet to China, saying that its booming trade ties must be underpinned by its acceptance of the values he believes the rest of the region holds dear. And he thinks, over time, China will agree. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Read article
What the Obama visit means for Australia
17 November 2011
Sky News The Nation
The US Studies Centre's Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor features in this high profile panel discussion about the political, military and economic implications of the visit to Australia by Barack Obama. Watch Online
Media briefing about Obama visit
14 November 2011
Australia's Public Affairs Channel
Professor Geoffrey Garrett leads this media briefing about US President Barack Obama's impending visit to Australia. Featuring in the discussion is an analysis of what the Obama visit to the Asia-Pacific region means as well as a particular focus on the significance of the US-Australian alliance. Listen Online
Obama visit 'pivotal', says expert
14 November 2011
ABC Radio The World Today
In this interview with Eleanor Hall, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the impending visit to Australia by US President Barack Obama and argues it comes at an important moment in the Obama presidency and America's global relations. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
No surprises with Darwin announcement
13 November 2011
702 ABC Radio Sydney
Despite the media excitement over the proposed training facility for US Marines in Darwin, Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor says the move does not have the significance of previous US-Australia initiatives such as Pine Gap during the Cold War. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor of American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
US to base Marines in Darwin: reports
11 November 2011
Agence France-Press
Professor Geoffrey Garrett features in this report about the US plan to station Marines at a base in Darwin, commenting on how it relates to current US-China relations. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Read article
China the focus of Obama's trade push
31 October 2011
The Australian
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says US President Barack Obama's goal in the upcoming intense month of regional diplomacy is to lay the foundations for a US-led free trade area of the Asia-Pacific to complement the US's network of political military alliances in the region. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Read article
Geopolitical maneuvering
25 October 2011
Australia Network Newsline
Professor Geoffrey Garrett speaks with Jim Middleton about the importance of US President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Asia, with all eyes on US-China economic relations. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
US China relations on show at APEC
25 October 2011
Radio Australia Asia Pacific
Featuring in this report by Karen Snowdon is Professor Geoffrey Garrett, who explains the possible way forward for US President Barack Obama in his dealings with China ahead of his upcoming tour of the Asia-Pacific region.
Listen Online
Obama prepares for focus on Asia
24 October 2011
Sky News Business Channel
In this interview with Carson Scott, Professor Geoffrey Garrett appraises US President Barack Obama's policy towards Asia ahead of his multi-stop visit across the Asia-Pacific region. Professor Garrett says the amount of time Obama is spending on this trip reflects the economic importance of the region to America at a time when the President is risking a lot by not staying at home with the 2012 election looming.
Watch Online
In Defense of 'Leading From Behind'
22 October 2011
The International Herald Tribune and New York Times online
Tom Switzer says however controversial the language, the message of “leading from behind” might not be so unappealing if it helps encourage a sense of limits at a time when the American people are neither willing nor able to pay for a new American Century. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
President Obama's speeches
22 September 2011
ABC News Radio
Brendon O’Connor discusses US President Barack Obama’s speech to the United Nations, noting the pressures he faces on the issue of Palestinian statehood. Brendon O’Connor is an Associate Professor in American Politics & Director of Teaching and Learning at the US Studies Centre. Listen online
US historian William Chafe
21 September 2011
ABC Radio National Late Night Live
US historian William Chafe looks at the role of race and gender in the 2012 presidential election, and talks about his soon-to-be-released biography of the Clintons. Professor William Chafe is a Professor of History at Duke University and in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Listen online
John Howard meets 'US in the World' students
16 September 2011
It was standing room only in Professor Geoffrey Garrett’s 'US in the World' undergraduate lecture as former Prime Minister John Howard explained to students and guests what the 9/11 Decade meant for him, for Australia-US relations, and for the world. Watch Online
Yes he is: officials 'confident' Obama will visit ... this time
14 September 2011
The Canberra Times
In this report on the recent announcement of US President Barack Obama's planned visit, Brendon O'Connor puts the previous postponements in perspective. Brendon O'Connor is Associate Professor in American Politics at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Re-election campaign for Obama
9 September 2011
ABC News 24 The World
Geoffrey Garrett talks about US President Barack Obama's speech to Congress and says he trying to take the lead and address the US economy. Professor Geoffrey Garrett is founding CEO of the United States Studies Centre and Professor of Political Science at the University of Sydney. Watch online
Obama US Economy speech
9 September 2011
ABC TV News Breakfast
Geoffrey Garrett comments on US President Barack Obama's speech about unemployment and the US economy. He says Obama was speaking to the American people, and taking steps to boost his re-election campaign. Geoffrey Garrett is a Professor of Political Science at the United States Studies Centre. Watch online
9/11 and US politics
9 September 2011
In this interview Professor James Fallows gives a concise overview of how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 affected US politics in both the short and long-term. He argues the current polarization in Washington in some ways had its origin in the decisions made by the Bush administration following 9/11, and adds that America's commitments in the Middle East have made life very difficult for President Obama and his chances for re-election. James Fallows is a national correspondent for The Atlantic and Chair in US Media at the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Not a good time to be a sitting president
10 August 2011
ABC News Breakfast
In this interview with Michael Rowland, Professor Geoffrey Garrett says both the US and global economies are closer to a double-dip recession than they have been since 2008. Garrett adds that US President Barack Obama is vulnerable as the 2012 election looms because sitting presidents always cop the blame for bad economic times. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Troubling times for America
8 August 2011
6:30 with George Negus on Channel Ten
Featuring in this report is Professor Geoffrey Garrett, who says the US Government still has access to relatively cheap borrowing rates but that its economy is on life support and no longer has the option of fiscal stimulus which was used during the global financial crisis. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
US adrift as Obama outflanked by tea party zealots
6 August 2011
The Australian
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says that although America's problems are different from Europe's, it is caught in a very dangerous political-economic cycle as evidenced most recently by how the debt ceiling crisis played out. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Obama, the economy and the unknown
5 August 2011
ABC News 24
Professor Geoffrey Garrett tells Joe O'Brien that US President Barack Obama made the mistake of letting the Republicans frame the debate about the debt ceiling on their terms. He also discusses the US economy and the fact that Obama is out of available cash to perform further stimulus measures but that the Federal Reserve could assist with another round of quantitative easing. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
US economy troubled
5 August 2011
Sky News Business
Featuring in this discussion is Professor Geoffrey Garrett who notes that America's debt situation is not dire and cites Europe as having far bigger problems. Garrett does note, however, that neither Barack Obama or congress have much ammunition to stimulate the US economy.
Watch Online
Collision course: this game of chicken has dire consequences
19 July 2011
The Sydney Morning Herald
Dr David Smith likens the current debt-talk deadlock between US President Barack Obama and Republicans to a game of chicken, where neither side can accurately predict what the outcome will be if no solution is found to raise the country's debt ceiling by 2 August. David Smith is a lecturer in American politics and foreign policy at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Obama in stand-off with Republicans
4 July 2011
The Perrett Report on Sky Business Channel
In this interview with Janine Perrett, Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor discusses the troubled US economy, and the feud between how President Obama and the Republican majority in Congress want to proceed with addressing the federal government's debt issues. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor of American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Realism, Rhetoric and Republicans
1 July 2011
American exceptionalism is the notion that the United States is qualitatively different from other nations, owing much to how the nation was founded, along with its more recent status as the "leader of the free world". Realism is a pragmatic approach to international relations that is often viewed as being incompatible with American exceptionalism. In this interview with Tom Switzer, Professor Anatol Lieven discusses how US presidents including Barack Obama have sought to balance the two foreign policy approaches, and goes on to discuss the state of the Republican Party's grasp of foreign policy matters as the 2012 presidential election draws nearer. Watch Online
Obama plots course for 2012
23 June 2011
Sky News
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says US President Barack Obama is plotting an effective course to re-election in his handling of the troop draw-down in Afghanistan and increasing his focus on the US economy. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Future of Afghan war for the US and Australia
23 June 2011
The Drum on ABC News 24
John Barron says US President Barack Obama is treading a course between the foreign policy extremes of global policeman and isolationism. Barron also examines how closely Australia's troop commitment is tied to what America does in Afghanistan. John Barron is a broadcaster with the ABC and a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Republican presidential debate
14 June 2011
ABC News 24
As the Republican party search for the right candidate to go up against Barack Obama, Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor says the recent candidate debate in New Hampshire was strongly focused on the US economy and unemployment. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Economy oveshadowing Afghanistan
8 June 2011
ABC 24 The Drum
Stanford Professor Simon Jackman says despite the large boost in public opinion of Barack Obama after the Osama bin Laden killing, the economic fundamentals have very quickly reasserted themselves, with studies showing that over half of the population in the United States are unhappy with the way their president is handling the economy. Simon Jackman is Visiting Professor at the US Studies Centre, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and co-author of The US Studies Centre 2011 survey, Americans and Australians Compared: Ten Years After 9/11. Watch Online
Election campaign
1 June 2011
Newsline
In this interview Professor James Fallows discusses the commencement of campaigning for next year's US presidential election and the issues that may boost Barack Obama's chances for re-election. James Fallows is chair in US media at the US Studies Centre and national correspondent for The Atlantic. Watch Online
America 10 years on
31 May 2011
ABC Local Radio 702 Sydney
Almost a decade on from the September 11 attacks, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the US Studies Centre's upcoming National Summit: The 9/11 Decade: How Everything Changed. Also discussed are the problems the Republican party is facing in finding a credible candidate to take on Barack Obama in the 2012 Presidential Campaign. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Listen online
Questions over troop withdrawal in Afghanistan
24 May 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Brendon O'Connor discusses the likelihood of America beginning its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in mid-2011 as it has previously stated. O'Connor says the key word is "transition", arguing that the Afghani summer is typically the most violent period of the year which may change the expected stages of troop withdrawal. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
What a great novelist can offer policy makers
24 May 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
Will Turner puts the September 11 attacks into historical perspective in relation to American foreign policy since World War Two. Additionally, he argues that US President Barack Obama's approach to the Middle East is a welcome change to the aggresive unilateralism of the Bush era. Will Turner is a media officer at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Israel, Palestine and the Arab Spring
20 May 2011
ABC News Radio
In this interview with John Barron, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses US President Barack Obama's address which included a new American policy towards the Israel/Palestine situation as well as an outline of the Obama approach to the "Arab Spring" sweeping the Middle East. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Obama says power to the people
20 May 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett assesses US President Barack Obama's speech on the Middle East. Garrett says that Obama is advocating grass roots change in Arab countries following Tunisia and Egypt's lead rather than American military intervention as the way to a peaceful and prosperous Middle East. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
President speaks on way forward for Middle East
20 May 2011
774 ABC Radio Melbourne
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett says Barack Obama was speaking as "Educator in Chief" when he outlined America's approach to the Middle East, including a history lesson on America's independence as a comparison with the current "Arab Spring" movements by people in a number of Arab states. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
The Republican no-shows
17 May 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
John Barron appraises the reasons behind Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee both pulling out of the race for the 2012 Republican Party's presidential nomination, and says that Barack Obama will be particularly pleased to see the back of Huckabee. John Barron is an ABC News Radio broadcaster and research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
The deck is loaded in Obama's favour
14 May 2011
The Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says Osama Bin Laden's death signifies the end of the 9/11 decade, just four months short of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the US. After 10 years of war with Islamist terrorism, Garrett argues, the next decade will likely be dominated by very different challenges for the US and the West: China's rise and rise, and the hangover from the global financial crisis. Professor Garrett is chief executive officer of the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Race issues in present-day America
13 May 2011
ABC News Radio
In this interview with John Barron, Professor Christopher Parker delves into his research findings about the interaction of race issues, the Tea Party and the Obama presidency. Parker says it is ambiguous whether Obama's rise has improved race relations because of the backlash against his presidency by those on the far-right of the political spectrum. Listen online
Tea Party still opposed to Obama even after Osama
13 May 2011
Professor Christopher Parker argues that the majority of Tea Party enthusiasts will remain opposed to Barack Obama and his administration despite his successful hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Citing data from his forthcoming book Will the Real Americans Please Stand Up?: The Tea Party and Right-Wing Extremism in the United States (with Matt Barreto), Parker also says race is a significant factor fuelling right-wing extremism. Watch online
Shades of 1992 haunt Obama
13 May 2011
The Australian
Citing the defeat of George H.W. Bush by Bill Clinton in 1992 so soon after Bush's foreign policy success in the Gulf War, Tom Switzer argues it is far too soon to be calling an Obama victory in 2012 because of the Bin Laden killing. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Immigration returns to top of political agenda
11 May 2011
ABC News 24
US President Barack Obama has said that immigration law needs to be overhauled, including a pathway to citizenship for the millions of illegal immigrants who entered America via its southern border with Mexico. In this interview Professor Christopher Parker explains the political significance of immigration law, particularly in regard to the Tea Party movement. Professor Parker is a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Watch online
How Osama helped Obama's election chances
9 May 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
Following a general mood of pessimism surrounding American politics for the last two years, Dr David Smith says the successful elimination of Osama Bin Laden will be a fascinating test of the political power of renewed optimism. Dr Smith is a lecturer in American politics and foreign policy at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Obama's popularity boost discussed
5 May 2011
ABC Radio Australia Connect Asia
In this interview with Liam Cochrane, Tom Switzer argues it is much too soon to be calling Obama's victory in the 2012 presidential election following the Bin Laden killing. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Obama's stocks on the rise
4 May 2011
ABC Radio National Australia Talks
Speaking with Paul Barclay, Dr Pete Hatemi argues US President Barack Obama's presidency will be defined in many ways by the successful removal of Osama Bin Laden. Dr Hatemi is a postdoctoral fellow at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Bin Laden no cure-all for Obama
4 May 2011
SBS World News Australia
Brendon O'Connor says the range of domestic and international issues weighing on US President Barack Obama will shortly return to the top of the media agenda once the initial hype about Osama Bin Laden settles down. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
The politics of assassination
4 May 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett talks through the political issues raised by the way in which Osama Bin Laden was killed, noting that it is not a simple issue that will go away overnight. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Obama's 2012 re-election prospects boosted
2 May 2011
2CC Radio Canberra
In this interview with Mike Welsh, Brendon O'Connor discusses how the Bin Laden factor is going to feed into the 2012 election campaign both for Barack Obama and whoever the Republican opponent will be. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Good news in tough times
2 May 2011
702 ABC Sydney
Speaking with Robbie Buck, Tom Switzer provides the political and economic context facing Barack Obama and America and says that both president and public are relieved for some good news in the form of Osama Bin Laden's death. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Afghanistan the next big question
2 May 2011
ABC News Radio
Brendon O'Connor says the bringing to justice of Osama Bin Laden could provide the necessary political capital for Barack Obama to move in the direction of getting out of Afghanistan. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Osama to help Obama recover
2 May 2011
Market Day, Sky News
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says the post Osama boom for Obama may be short lived but will have long-term positive effects for the President, which may allow him to recover from his mid-term defeat. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
The impact of Bin Laden's death
2 May 2011
Trading Day, Sky News
Tom Switzer says that the death of Osama Bin Laden is a great symbolic movement for Americans but despite this success the US should not downplay the threat of potential revenge attacks from a fractured Al-Qaeda. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Turning the page on the 9/11 decade
2 May 2011
Sky News Late Agenda
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the future of President Obama's withdrawal plans for Afghanistan after the death of Osama Bin Laden. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Osama Bin Laden dead
2 May 2011
ABC News 24
Brendon O'Connor says Osama Bin Laden's death in a "firefight" with US special forces is a major achievement for US President Barack Obama following the Al-Qaeda leader's unknown whereabouts over the decade since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Will the death of Bin Laden boost Obama?
2 May 2011
Sky News
In this interview given shortly after the death of Osama Bin Laden, Brendon O'Connor says that the significance of Bin Laden's death may temporarily boost the confidence of the US and discusses the potential of President Obama's credentials lifting after achieving a major goal in his first term. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
Has Donald Trump played his cards too early?
29 April 2011
The Conversation
Professor Geoffrey Garrett answers the main questions surrounding Donald Trump's interest in unseating Barack Obama in 2012. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Read article
The un-dead Obama birth certificate story
29 April 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
John Barron examines the "birther" conspiracy and the decision by US President Barack Obama to respond by releasing his full birth certificate, arguing that the 24-hour news cycle is partly to blame for such a fringe issue to have risen to prominence. John Barron is a broadcast journalist with the ABC and a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
President with a lot on his plate
28 April 2011
ABC News 24
Tom Switzer says in this interview that opinion is divided over whether Barack Obama's release of his birth certificate has been a wise move to head-off Donald Trump's "birther" conspiracy. Meanwhile Switzer argues that Trump could splinter the Republican vote to the detriment of whoever is the main challenger to the sitting president in 2012. Also discussed is the recent reshuffle of US cabinet defence officials.
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Obama’s plan to avoid economic catastrophe
14 April 2011
ABC The World Today
As the US president addresses America's booming budget deficit and battles with the Republican Party over their proposals to slash the debt, Professor James Fallows says that Obama's address was a more liberal speech that he has given in quite a while, appealing to Americans who favour government spending on medical and retirement programs. James Fallows is chair in US media at the US Studies Centre and national correspondent for The Atlantic. Listen online
Dramas in Obama's 2012 bid
9 April 2011
The Canberra Times
Featuring in this report by Judith Ireland about Barack Obama's 2012 bid for re-election, Brendon O'Connor says the president may become a victim of the exceedingly high standards he set for himself during his 2008 election campaign. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Discord over budget
8 April 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor argues that despite the intense meetings taking place to resolve disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over government spending, the overhanging issue of America's debt problem is unlikely to be properly addressed by either side.
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Obama takes high road on budget
7 April 2011
702 ABC Sydney
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says Barack Obama is wise to be telling congress that they themselves need to fix the row that has erupted over the US budget. Also in this interview, Garrett explains some of the finer details of the budget process taking place in Washington. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Budget takes centre stage
7 April 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett says there is no easy way forward for either the president or the Republicans in congress who are threatening to shut-down the government, repeating a scenario that played out in 1995 when Bill Clinton was in the White House. Garrett explains that on the one hand, Republicans say the excessive government spending must stop, but on the other President Obama says the fragile US economy, along with disadvantaged Americans, must take priority over all-else.
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Obama 2012 campaign goes back to base
6 April 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
John Barron argues the first step for Barack Obama's re-election campaign is rebuilding the base of volunteers and donors that made his journey to the White House possible. Along the way, adds Barron, Obama will need to bring back supporters who either think his policies went too far or didn't go far enough. John Barron is a broadcast journlalist with the ABC and a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Presidential campaign
5 April 2011
Australia Network Newsline
In this interview with Jim Middleton, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the political realities facing Barack Obama as his campaign for re-election in 2012 officially begins. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Alleged September 11 conspirator to face military commission
5 April 2011
SBS World News Australia Radio
Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others accused of plotting the September 11 terrorist attacks will be tried in Guantanamo Bay, despite Barack Obama's 2009 promise of closing the facility within the year. In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses how this decision and other factors such as the economy may influence Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Obama reversal on military trials for 9/11 cases
5 April 2011
ABC News 24
The Obama administration has made a major policy reversal by deciding to prosecute Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other people accused of plotting the September 11 terrorist attacks before a military commission and not a civilian court, as it once planned. In this interview US Studies Centre Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor examines the reasons for the reversal and the political implications for Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
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Questions about US playing 'supporting role' in Libya
1 April 2011
ABC News 24
Following President Barack Obama's declaration that America will no longer take the lead in Libya, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the reality of US expenditure on military being greater than the rest of the globe combined, and what America's 'supporting role' in Libya might look like. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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World's policeman turns in the badge
30 March 2011
The Age
Professor Geoffrey Garrett argues that Barack Obama's speech on America's role in Libya spelt out the "Obama doctrine" which says the US can no longer afford to go it alone with military interventions in far flung places where American national interests are not clear. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Obama reluctant to enter Libyan ground war
29 March 2011
ABC News PM with Mark Colvin
In this interview Professor James Fallows talks through the significance America's limited actions in Libya and what President Obama's latest speech about US foreign policy will mean for the future. James Fallows is chair in US media at the US Studies Centre and national correspondent for The Atlantic.
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Obama signals new era for American foreign policy
29 March 2011
ABC News Radio
US President Barack Obama's public address concerning American involvement in the Libyan situation is a historic moment, says Professor Geoffrey Garrett. In particular, Garrett says the speech highlighted that the United States can no longer afford to act alone on international matters like the Libyan situation. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Global policeman no more
29 March 2011
ABC 702 Sydney
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses Barack Obama’s address on Libya and how this shift in American foreign policy will now define American leadership. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Train graduates to think outside square
23 March 2011
The Australian
Creating more good jobs in America and Australia depends on innovation in higher education rather than simply more people with degrees, argues Dr Sean Gallagher. To this end he advocates financial incentives to encourage universities to strategically transform degrees, experiment with new models of education, and equip graduates with the new skills and knowledge needed to compete in an increasingly globalised job market. Dr Gallagher is a research associate in American higher education and chief operating officer at the US Studies Centre. Read article
With hand on heart, and heart in stomach, US takes on Libya
21 March 2011
The Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says putting US troops on the ground in Libya is out of the question for President Barack Obama, whom he says is following Bill Clinton's idealism-realpolitik balancing act when it comes to foreign policy. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
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Shared interests keep Australia and America side-by-side
10 March 2011
ABC News Radio
In this interview with John Barron, Geoffrey Garrett says Julia Gillard echoed Barack Obama's emotional appeal to Americans during her address to US congress. Garrett also notes that Australia and America continue to have shared interests, though they are of a different nature to the days of the Cold War. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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China challenge will bind us closer to Washington
10 March 2011
The Australian
Geoffrey Garrett says there is every reson to believe the US-Australia alliance will be at least as important to both countries in the next half century as it has in the past, with more issues on the table and more avenues for the two nations to collaborate in addressing them. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard visit more than just a photo opportunity: expert
9 March 2011
Dr James Curran is an historian of the US-Australia alliance, and says that while Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to Washington means more to Australia than it does to America, there are serious issues to be discussed. Chief among them, says Curran, is how both countries manage relations with other countries in the Asia-Pacific - particularly China. He also considers the long-term situation in Afghanistan and gives a precis of his recently published book "Curtin's Empire" which looks at the wartime story of one of Australia's most celebrated leaders. Watch Online
US economy under the microscope
8 March 2011
Lateline Business
As Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard continues with high-level meetings in Washington, Geoffrey Garrett discusses the economic aspects of the trip as well as pressing issues facing America that include oil reserves, currency problems and unemployment. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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US-Australia relations on the agenda
8 March 2011
ABC News 24
Tom Switzer says the war in Afghanistan is a pressing issue for both Julia Gillard and Barack Obama as they meet in Washington, however the public are still in the dark about a timeframe for troop withdrawal. Also discussed is the issue of pricing carbon in both countries. Tom Switzer is a research associate with the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard goes to Washington
7 March 2011
PM with Mark Colvin (ABC radio)
Geoffrey Garrett says that while a celebration of the US-Australia alliance will be the focus of the public aspect of Prime Minister Gillard's visit to Washington, discussions behind closed doors about future challenges such as engagement with China will be of greater importance. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard in Washington
7 March 2011
ABC News 24
The multiple situations in the Middle East are likely to come up when Barack Obama meets with Julia Gillard, though Brendon O'Connor says US military intervention in Libya is highly unlikely. In this interview with Joe O'Brien, O'Connor also discusses the rare opportunity the Australian Prime Minister has to add lustre to her image through her address to Congress. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Obama calls for unity
26 January 2011
ABC The 7:30 Report
The need to find a way for Democrats and Republicans to work together to address big issues such as unemployment was a key message from US President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. In this interview James Fallows summarizes the main points raised in the speech. Professor Fallows is Chair in US Media at the US Studies Centre.
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Obama gives pep talk to the nation
26 January 2011
ABC News 24
In this analysis Brendon O'Connor likens Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union address to his inauguration speech as a call for national unity in the face of hard times. Brendon O'Connor is Associate Professor of American Politics at the US Studies Centre.
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President's popularity on the rise
26 January 2011
ABC News 24
Brendon O'Connor says US President Barack Obama is enjoying a rise in popularity after a tough 2010 which is a confidence booster for him ahead of the State of the Union address. Brendon O'Connor is Associate Professor of American Politics at the US Studies Centre.
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New political landscape
25 January 2011
ABC News 24
The changes brought about in congress after the midterm elections means President Barack Obama must reach out to Republicans with compromises, argues Tom Switzer in this scene setting interview before the State of the Union address. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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Obama's latest victory
23 December 2010
Radio National Breakfast
The tax-cut deal President Obama has made with Congress demonstrates how relations between the president and the Republicans may be different over the coming two years, says Professor Geoffrey Garrett in this interview with Julian Morrow. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Stormy weather ahead as Washington's will loses sway
29 November 2010
The Australian
The loss of America's credibility and prestige from the Bush era has continued under Barack Obama, resulting in a reduced ability to lead and persuade other powers, says Tom Switzer. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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Get real about our 'special relationship'
19 November 2010
The Drum Unleashed (ABC online)
Tom Switzer says minor allies like Australia, however loyal, should not expect inconvenient loyalty from a superpower. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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US looks to new dawn in the east
18 November 2010
The Australian
Following trips to the Asia-Pacific by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, Geoffrey Garrett says that building a network of pro-market democracies across the Pacific increases the chance China will one day join the club and insures against the risk that China will reject it. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Obama at the G20 summit
11 November 2010
Sky National News
How can US President Barack Obama's appearance at the G20 summit improve his standing with American voters? Chair in US Media at the US Studies Centre, James Fallows, examines this question.
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A midterm appraisal of the Obama presidency
9 November 2010
In this interview Professor James Fallows discusses the role of the economy in last week's voter backlash and considers how President Obama will attempt to manage relations with the new Congress. He says Bill Clinton demonstrated a President can bounce back from a tough midterm election, and considers what role foreign policy will play in the second-half of the current presidential term. James Fallows is Chair in US Media at the US Studies Centre and National Correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly. Watch Online
Gridlock looms in Congress
5 November 2010
Canberra Times
Under the circumstances in Washington DC, there are just two courses of political action available to lawmakers according to Lesley Russell: compromise or gridlock. At this point, early in the process, Dr Russell says the latter seems inevitable. Dr Lesley Russell is a research associate at the US Studies Centre and a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington DC.
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Communication a surprising problem for Obama
5 November 2010
ABC News 24 The World
Brendon O'Connor says few could have expected communication would be a major problem for the President, not only in terms of delivering his positive message but also failing to pin appropriate economic blame on the Bush-Cheney era. Brendon O'Connor is Associate Professor in American Politics at the US Studies Centre.
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A mandate misintrepreted
4 November 2010
702 ABC Sydney Drive
In this panel discussion with Leigh Sales, Peter Hartcher and Richard Glover, Tom Switzer argues that President Obama has misinterpreted his mandate by being too progressive and interventionist for a largely conservative nation.
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Now it's the economy, stupid - cubed
4 November 2010
The Australian
Edward Luce says that Bill Clinton got steadily better at the tactical skills of governing as time wore on. The same may be true of Obama. Given the alternatives, friends of America should be wishing him all the luck in the world. This piece is an edited extract from American Review magazine, published by the US Studies Centre.
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Midterm implications for Obama
3 November 2010
Sky National News
On the day that the Democratic Party lost its majority in the US House of Representatives, Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the implications for the Obama presidency, noting that the big "if" for the President is whether the unemployment situation will improve by enough to give him a fighting chance of re-election in 2012.
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Obama to meet Republicans halfway on the economy
3 November 2010
ABC TV Midday Report
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett says President Obama will need to comply with at least some of the Republicans' economic policies, such as extending the Bush era tax cuts and getting serious about spending cuts. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Obama less compelling as President
3 November 2010
ABC2 News Breakfast
Barack Obama has made the mistake of not living up to his reputation for public speaking since taking office as President according to Brendon O'Connor, Associate Professor in American Politics at the US Studies Centre. In a discussion focussed on the midterm elections, O'Connor also notes the boost the Tea Party movement has given to the Republican Party.
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Midterm slap a chance for renewal
3 November 2010
Australian Literary Review
In this authoritative essay, Professor Geoffrey Garrett cuts through the fog of political war to reveal a President with a substantial record of achievement who just may manage to reinvent himself after an anticipated midterm hammering. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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The drive behind anti-Obama sentiment
2 November 2010
SBS World News Australia
Much has been said about the expected heavy losses for the Democratic Party, but in this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett drills down to explain what is fuelling the anti-Obama clamour, including a comparison to President Bill Clinton's predicament in the mid-1990s. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Why the swing against Barack Obama?
18 October 2010
ABC News PM with Mark Colvin
Polls are indicating a significant proportion of people who voted for Barack Obama in 2008 are now considering voting for Republican candidates in the coming mid-term elections. In this interview, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, Morris Fiorina says America is a centrist country where many feel their President is too liberal. Professor Fiorina is an upcoming visitor of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
In praise of American mediocrity
4 October 2010
The Drum (ABC online)
John Barron explains why super-wealthy presidential candidates never win office. Additionally, he notes that voters don't like aloof intellectuals much either, which could spell danger for President Obama. John Barron is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Obama setback
22 September 2010
SBS World News Australia
The US Senate has blocked a bid to lift a ban on gays serving openly in the military, making it the latest piece of legislation the Republicans have successfully stifled. In this story US Studies Centre chief executive Geoffrey Garrett says it is misleading for President Obama's opponents to claim that he "can't do much" in light of legislative successes such as health care and financial services reform.
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Religion and politics
20 September 2010
ABC Local Radio Sunday Nights
Distinguished author and journalist Professor Jack Miles discusses with John Cleary how religion and politics are making life difficult for President Obama. Jack Miles is in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre.
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Campaign mode
15 September 2010
Inside Story
With the midterm elections looming, Barack Obama is out of the Oval Office and back on the campaign trail, writes Lesley Russell. Dr Lesley Russell is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
9/11 nine years on
10 September 2010
ABC News Radio
This year the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has been made particularly prominent because of controversy surrounding the "Ground Zero Mosque" and the threat of burning Korans in Florida. Geoffrey Garrett discusses to what extent America has moved on from the events of September 2001 and notes that President Obama's popularity has been damaged by the recent controversy. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
The Presidential Preacher
8 September 2010
ABC Radio National Late Night Live
Professor Jack Miles discusses President Barack Obama's America in the world religious context, noting religious controversy is a significant issue as the congressional elections approach. Jack Miles is in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
Why Obama is not using his 'bully pulpit'
7 September 2010
The Australian
The whiplash created by the ginning up of the "Ground Zero Mosque" furore has thrown the President off his stride, but Jack Miles says he may not have lost his footing entirely. Miles says Obama has long had a canny sense of when to stand aside and give his opponents just enough rope to hang themselves. Jack Miles is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Read article
End of US combat forces in Iraq
1 September 2010
ABC 24
In this interview, professor Geoffrey Garrett provides commentary on President Obama's Oval Office speech marking the end of combat troop deployment in Iraq. Garrett notes that there was none of the Bush triumphalism in what was a sober speech from a leader in the midst of significant economic and military challenges. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Analysis of Obama's Oval Office speech
1 September 2010
ABC News Radio
In only his second speech from the Oval Office in the White House, President Barack Obama announced the end of US combat forces in Iraq. In this interview professor Geoffrey Garrett provides an analysis of the speech. Geoffrey Garrett is the CEO of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
Can American troops leave Afghanistan?
25 August 2010
ABC's PM with Mark Colvin
In this interview journalist and author on US foreign policy, Peter Beinart discusses the tensions surrounding President Obama, the US military leadership and the prospects for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Listen Online
Analysis of Obama
25 August 2010
ABC News Radio
Senior political writer for popular blog The Daily Beast, Peter Beinart discusses with John Barron the problems the president is facing from astronomic debt, an economy in trouble and a potentially hostile congress by the end of the year. Listen Online
Obama needs to find a way to kick some goals at home
30 July 2010
The Australian
President Obama lacks the common touch that made Reagan and Clinton popular leaders, according to Brendon O'Connor, Associate Professor in American Politics at the US Studies Centre. O'Connor says that the ailing economy is adding to the President's woes due to the tendency of the American public to pin economic blame on the man in the White House. Read article
Obama jumps to the left, Gillard steps to the right
24 July 2010
Sydney Morning Herald
Geoffrey Garrett says in the run-up to elections in both countries this year, Julia Gillard and Barack Obama are each taking stances at odds with their own parties' traditional positions. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Read article
Obama, attitudes toward race and the Tea Party movement
30 June 2010
In this interview Harvard University's Professor of African American Studies, Jennifer Hochschild, considers the impact that the Obama presidency is having on racial attitudes in America. As part of this discussion, she notes that the impact of geography on attitudes towards race is not talked about as much as it should be. Turning to the controversy surrounding the Tea Party movement, Professor Hochschild argues it is very difficult to tease out racial hostility as an independent factor motivating their cause. Watch Online
Unpredictable times for politicians and the media
18 June 2010
Sky Business On The Record
In this interview Professor of Public Affairs from Columbia University, Kenneth Prewitt, provides an analysis of President Obama’s handling of the Gulf oil disaster as well as what the President has achieved during his first 18 months in office. In this wide-ranging interview Prewitt also covers questions about campaign finance and the changing composition of the media industry. Watch Online
Obama handles oil spill like financial crisis
17 June 2010
Sky News
The approach of blaming the greedy capitalists and lax legislation of previous White House administrations was an approach that US President Barack Obama used in response to the global financial crisis, and now he is using it again with the BP oil spill, says Professor Geoffrey Garrett. The US Studies Centre chief executive also says that the spill is appropriately being compared with other major US crises of the past decade, something that the President himself indicated by addressing the American people for the first time from the Oval Office this week. Watch Online
Gulf oil spill and the Obama presidency
17 June 2010
Such is the importance of the oil leak resulting from the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon that US President Barack Obama gave his first public address from the Oval Office this week. Kenneth Prewitt, Carnegie Professor of Public Affairs at Columbia University, discusses in this interview the impact of the oil spill on the Obama presidency and argues that there are a variety of other issues that need his attention ahead of November's congressional elections. Watch Online
Gulf oil spill presses President
16 June 2010
ABC News Radio
US President Barack Obama gave his first address from the Oval Office about his government's response to the Gulf oil spill, saying BP will be made to pay for the clean up. In this interview Brendon O'Connor discusses the political implications of the disaster on the Obama presidency. Brendon O'Connor is an Associate Professor in American Politics at the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
The Latino vote and Arizona's controversial immigration law
11 June 2010
Chair of Chicano Studies at Stanford University, Professor Gary Segura, discusses the political impact of America's growing Latin American (Latino) population. He says that the Latino vote was critical in Barack Obama's election victory in 2008. Additionally Professor Segura considers how much Latinos identify with other population groups, and gives his insight into the political implications of the immigration law recently made in Arizona that has been denounced by President Obama. Watch Online
BP spill had its beginnings in Reagan era: expert
10 June 2010
JJJ Radio's Hack
Disaster recovery expert Edward Blakely says in this interview with Kaitlyn Sawrey that the BP oil spill came about because of the dismantling of the protection agencies during the Reagan presidency who could have prevented the disaster on the Deepwater Horizon. Professor Blakely is an Honorary Professor in Urban Policy at the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
Insights offered on Obama's ability to reach out
7 June 2010
The Australian
In this article, leading US public intellectual Glenn Loury discusses Barack Obama's successful use of new technology and social media in his campaign to become US President. Professor Loury is in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Read article
Has Obama changed the world in 18 months?
31 May 2010
The Drum Unleashed (ABC online)
Brendon O'Connor, Associate Professor of American Politics at the US Studies Centre, considers what impact the Obama presidency has had on world opinion of America. He says enthusiasm across Western Europe and in Australia for Obama’s election in 2008 revealed how keen many Westerners are to see America as a positive force in the world and is suggestive of the Western tendency to buy into exceptionalist views about America. Read article
Obama visit still on for June
29 May 2010
Sydney Morning Herald
Despite the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, US President Barack Obama is still likely to make the trip to Australia and Indonesia according to Professor Geoffrey Garrett, who is interviewed in this report. Read article
Reform push
18 May 2010
Australia Network Business Today
Whitney Fitzsimmons speaks to Gail Fosler, senior advisor of the Conference Board in the US, about President Obama's financial reform agenda. Gail Fosler is in Australia as a Visitor of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Obama nomination a sure bet for US Supreme Court
14 May 2010
The Australian
Legal expert David Weisbrot says that US Supreme Court nominee Elena Kegan is identifiably a Democrat and previously served in the Clinton administration, but has a record of centrist politics, carefully building coalitions and consensus, rather than using the numbers to ram home progressive policies. David Weisbrot is an honorary professor in legal policy at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Third woman tipped for US Supreme Court
11 May 2010
2SER The Wire
US President Barack Obama has sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill by nominating his chief legal advocate to the top judicial job. Solicitor General Elena Kagan is tipped to join the Supreme Court, becoming only the fourth woman in its 220 year history to do so. But critics argue, without judicial experience, Kagan’s appointment could be a backward step for women in the law. Featured in story is Professor David Weisbrot, honorary professor in legal policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Desperate Democrats must back a winner
30 April 2010
Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says this year the name of the game is at least as much about good politics as it is about good policy, with the twin goals of staunching the inevitable Democrat bleeding in November and creating a platform for Obama's re-election in 2012. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Read article
World rethinks climate legislation
30 April 2010
Wall Street Journal
US Studies Centre research associate Tom Switzer says that the climate, politically speaking, has changed dramatically since June when the US House of Representatives narrowly passed a climate cap-and-tax bill. President Obama's decision to make immigration reform a higher priority in the Senate legislative calendar is a recognition of this reality: Cap-and-tax is dead. And not just in Washington either. Read article
Action on climate change shelved
29 April 2010
Research associate at the Centre, Tom Switzer, says Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has more to answer for than President Obama for not delivering on promised climate change legislation.
This week the Prime Minister revealed that he is shelving climate legislation until 2012 at the earliest while in America the chances of anything being passed before this year’s global summit in Mexico City is next to nil after the President fast-tracked immigration law onto the congressional agenda.
In this interview Switzer discusses the main factors that have pushed climate change off legislative agendas in Australia and the US and considers the similarities and differences in the situations facing Prime Minister Rudd and President Obama. Watch Online
Republicans block US reform laws
27 April 2010
ABC Lateline Business
US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett says that the investigation of Goldman Sachs by the Securities Exchange Commission could not have come at a better time for the Obama administration as it attempts to pass financial services reform legislation through Congress. Watch Online
Is there a Plan B for the ETS?
27 April 2010
The Drum: Unleashed (ABC online)
Following Kevin Rudd's announcement that he is shelving the ETS legislation until 2012 and the unlikelihood of cap-and-trade legislation being passed in the US this year, Tom Switzer asks what has happened to "the great moral challenge of our time". Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
The politics of financial regulation
23 April 2010
Sky Agenda
In this interview Jonathan Greenblatt, former aide in the Clinton administration as well as a member of the Obama-Biden transition team discusses whether politics has led to the charges brought against Goldman Sachs. Using his his insights into social entrepreneurship, Greenblatt also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing those who seek to be entreprising in order to make a difference in society. Watch Online
Big business and social entrepreneurs in today's America
22 April 2010
As the public awaits the findings of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) investigation into Goldman Sachs we ask Jonathan Greenblatt, UCLA School of Management Lecturer, for his thoughts on financial regulation and President Obama's stance. In this interview Greenblatt considers whether the role of big business in society is changing and explains how social entrepreneurs, who often interact with large firms, add value to the wider community. As part of this discussion Jonathan reveals how social media is being used by social entrepreneurs to provide sustainable solutions to some of the world's pressing problems. Watch Online
Chance to combat climate change through policy has come and gone
21 April 2010
The Australian
In this article Tom Switzer argues that sweet the rhetoric about combating global warming, the cold reality is this: comprehensive climate legislation, which US senators will unveil next week, is unlikely to pass into law this year. Tom Switzer, a research associate at the US Studies Centre, provides five reasons in support of this opinion. Read article
Obama and Australia
15 April 2010
Sky Agenda PM
Issues of climate change policy, troop numbers in Afghanistan, US-Australia and US-China relations feature in this panel discussion following the interview between Kerry O'Brien of The 7:30 Report and President Barack Obama. US Studies Centre research associate Tom Switzer appears on the panel. Watch Online
Climate law: what's in it for the US?
12 April 2010
Australian Financial Review
US Studies Centre research associate Tom Switzer asks why the US should unilaterally make carbon cuts that would cause economic pain for no environmental gain. Read Article
Obama's presidency: where to from here
2 April 2010
Sky News Agenda
Healthcare challenges, a polarised congress, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran are just some of the issues now on President Obama's agenda, and none of them have easy solutions. In this interview the US Studies Centre's James Morrow examines the current situation for the President. Watch Online
Not a one-pill health solution
1 April 2010
Canberra Times
Dr Lesley Russell comments on the task ahead for the Obama administration to simultaneously implement the provisions of the healthcare law and to fight back the attempts from the right to undo it. Dr Russell is a Research Associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
The bigger story for Obama
28 March 2010
Sky Sunday Agenda
US Studies Centre CEO Professor Geoffrey Garrett says that November's congressional elections will be fought over the topic of America's economic situation which means that debate over solutions to unemployment will probably take priority over healthcare reform bickering. Also discussed in this interview are US-Australia relations and the US-Russia nuclear arms agreement. Watch Online
US finds prevention better than cure: healthcare reform
27 March 2010
The Australian
As US President Barack Obama successfully concludes his campaign to enact healthcare reform legislation and looks to begin the long-term task of implementation, Kevin Rudd is taking the initial steps to turn his 2007 election commitments on health into reality. In this opinion piece US Studies Centre Research Associate Dr Lesley Russell hopes that Kevin Rudd is bold enough to borrow some ideas from President Obama. Read article
Ambassador Bleich on the importance of relationships, free trade
26 March 2010
US Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich is a long-time friend of President Obama. In this interview he discusses the tradition of the US Ambassador to Australia having strong connections in the White House and the importance of the US-Australia alliance. The Ambassador goes on to talk about the Free Trade Agreement with Australia and the President's desire to re-engage with the Asia Pacific region. Watch Online
Let the partisan spinning begin
24 March 2010
The Australian
The spin wars over Barack Obama's healthcare victory are going to be fierce. The US Studies Centre's Professor Geoffrey Garrett surveys the political climate in America, including what issues are going to take centre stage in the coming months. Read article
Hard-won victory
22 March 2010
Australia Network Newsline
After intense lobbying, President Obama has pushed healthcare legislation through the House of Representatives. Jim Middleton speaks to Professor Geoffrey Garrett from the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Healthcare reform success for President
22 March 2010
Sky News
In this news item US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett provides his expert analysis of what the successful passing of healthcare reform means for the Obama presidency as well as what will now be up and coming on his legislative agenda. Watch Online
Obama visit plans on hold as president stays home
20 March 2010
The Sydney Morning Herald
Officially, the federal government understands and is ''relaxed'' about being bumped by Barack Obama, but parliamentarians and staff who had scrambled to book flights and beds are disappointed they will now have to wait three months to see the US President. In this article the US Studies Centre's Professor Geoffrey Garrett is asked for his perspective on the president's postponement. Read article
Obama cancels March trip downunder
19 March 2010
Seven News
This newspiece reports the White House's announcement that President Obama won't make it to Australia and Indonesia until June. The US Studies Centre's Professor Geoffrey Garrett provides insight into the significance of the delay. Watch Online
Obama trip cancelled
19 March 2010
Sky News
US Studies Centre Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor explains why the domestic issue of healthcare reform has delayed the President. O'Connor goes on to predict what is likely to happen in Washington DC in the coming days as well as how Australia can best relate to the US through the planned Presidential visit in June. Watch Online
Obama postponement is no snub: academic
19 March 2010
Australian Associated Press
This report features Professor Geoffrey Garrett, Chief Executive Officer of the US Studies Centre, who says that Australia and the US remain "rock-solid" allies and the postponement of President Barack Obama's trip should not be interpreted as a snub. Read article
Healthcare bill delays President
15 March 2010
Few people are better placed to explain the forced delay to President Obama’s planned visit to Australia this month than Jeffrey Bleich. In an interview with ABC journalist and USSC Research Associate John Barron, the long-time friend of the President explains the significance of the healthcare reform legislation that is keeping Air Force One on the ground. Watch Online
Presidential trip delayed
13 March 2010
Seven News
This newspiece discusses the issues causing the delay to the planned visit to Australia by President Obama. Research Associate at the US Studies Centre Tom Switzer is interviewed about the potential impact of important legislation being blocked in the US on the likelihood of the President making it to Canberra. Watch Online
Obama's health Bill at crucial stage
10 March 2010
The Canberra Times
In this article Lesley Russell examines the likelihood of the new health Bill being signed prior to President leaving for this month's scheduled visit to Australia and Indonesia.
Read article
Govt has to step up to the plate
9 March 2010
The Canberra Times
President Obama will undoubtedly be able to explain to Kevin Rudd that moving health-care reform from fine words to legislative reality is a difficult and tricky task, writes Lesley Russell. Read Article
Divided summit
3 March 2010
Inside Story: Current Affairs and Culture
Despite President Obama's mastery of the facts at last week's healthcare reform summit, the Republicans weren't budging, reports Lesley Russell. Read Article
The age of Obama
21 January 2009
ABC Unleashed
Geoffrey Garrett writes that the fanfare surrounding Barack Obama's once in a lifetime presidential inauguration is amply justified. But as soon as the excitement and emotion begins to die down, the enormous stakes of his time in office will quickly be Obama's, America's and the world's focus. Read Article
