Political columnist's appearance part of spring assembly lineup
Jeff Jacoby of The Boston Globe discussed the direction of the Republican Party.
Last week, Exeter welcomed columnist Jeff Jacoby of The Boston Globe to the virtual assembly stage. The longtime political journalist spoke to the community about the current political climate in the U.S. and what the results of the 2020 presidential election mean for the future of the Republican Party.
Jacoby explained that despite losing his bid for reelection, Donald Trump remains a powerful force in the GOP. “He may have lost the election, but he got 72 million votes last year,” Jacoby said. “That’s more than any sitting president in American history.” Jacoby noted that Trump increased his vote totals among a handful of demographics including Black, Latino and women voters.
Democratic and Republican Parties, Jacoby argued, exist for one reason: to win elections.
“The great paradox at the heart of Republican politics right now is that even though Trump lost, much of his party is convinced his style remains the best path for them for the next time.”
He pointed out that throughout the decades, parties have shifted in their beliefs in order to gain more support. “Their purpose is not to uphold fundamental philosophical principles, it’s to attract votes.”
Jacoby offered to continue the conversation with students via social media and email.
Here's a list of upcoming spring assemblies:
April 16: Her Voice in Educational Leadership panel featuring Tori Jueds '91, Aimeclaire Roche '87 and Rebecca Upham '74
April 21: Chloe Valdary, writer and entrepreneur
April 23: Daniel Markovits, author and Yale Law professor
April 28: Climate Action Day
April 30: Rescheduled 2020 Founders' Day Award assembly honoring Alan R. Jones '72
May 5: Baratunde Thurston, comedian and cultural critic
May 7: Principal Bill Rawson
May 14: Matt McGill, lawyer
May 21: 2021 Founders’ Day Award assembly honoring Jacquelyn “Jackie” H. Thomas ’45, ’62, ’69 (Hon.); P’78, ’79, ’81
