The James Jimirro Open for Debate Series: Disagree Better

Where do you fall on these divisive issues? Can you listen and engage with the other side?

• Media Bias: Why Care and What Can We Do?
• Climate Politics: Who Pays, Who Acts, Who Decides?
• Immigration and the Law: Do We Prioritize Order or Opportunity?

College and university campuses are at the forefront of discussions around free speech. As a public university, Penn State is committed to protecting free speech, a bedrock principle of our democratic society. The James Jimirro Open for Debate Series is predicated on the belief that minds can be opened - or even changed - when two (or more) sides of an issue are examined intelligently, respectfully, and thoughtfully.

During this interactive dialogue, attendees will hear different sides of these divisive issues presented by high profile political commentators. The speakers will also discuss media bias and the role it plays in our understanding of today's issues. After both speakers present their views, attendees will engage in respectful, open-minded dialogue around the topics through facilitated small group interactions with Spud Marshall.

Molly Jong-Fast is an American writer, journalist, author, political commentator, and podcaster. Jong-Fast is the author of two novels; Normal Girl and The Social Climber's Handbook. After the 2016 election, Jong-Fast began focusing her writing on politics and has amassed a large social media following. She became a regular contributor to The Forward, The Bulwark, Playboy, Glamour, and Vogue. In December 2019, Jong-Fast become an editor-at-large at The Daily Beast, hosting the podcast The New Abnormal. In 2022, Jong-Fast joined Vanity Fair as a special correspondent and began hosting the Fast Politics iHeart Media podcast. In January 2024, Jong-Fast joined MSNBC News as a political analyst.

Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. Dubbed "The Black Sheep of CNN" by the Daily Mail and "Lonely Scott" by Bill Maher for his engaging nightly debates, Jennings has become a fixture of CNN's election and major event coverage. As the network's senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day. Scott's career spans decades at the intersection of politics and media. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as special assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like the LA Times and Gannett. Scott has taught at Harvard's Kennedy School and is a founding partner of RunSwitch Public Relations, Kentucky's largest PR and public affairs firm.

This dialogue series is funded through a generous gift from James Jimirro '58 Comm to enhance efforts already underway to reaffirm free speech as a cornerstone of Penn State's mission. Jimirro was honored in 1985 with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Penn State Alumni Association.

Host or Publisher The Presidential Leadership Academy at Penn State