Former Obama strategist, students view debate

Students, faculty, and alumni watched and discussed the Republican Presidential Debate as it was broadcast live on September 16. (Photo by Nydia Hartono '17)

CNN’s Republican Presidential Debate on September 16 brought students, faculty, and former Obama Administration strategist Fred Baldassaro ’96 to the Little Building Dining Hall to view and discuss the three-hour event as it was broadcast live.

Faculty members in attendance included Gregory Payne, Spencer Kimball, and Vincent Raynauld of the Communication Studies Department.

Fred Baldassaro '96 (on left) attends the September 16 debate-viewing event with faculty members Vincent Raynauld and Spencer Kimball of Communication Studies. (Photo by Nydia Hartono '17)

Baldassaro worked in the Obama Administration as a senior communications strategist and is now a vice president at the Edelman public relations firm. Baldassaro also worked as chief of staff for Vermont Governor Howard Dean and played a key role in his winning bid to become the Democratic National Committee chairman.

Students and Emerson community members watch the Republican Debate in the Dining Hall on September 16. (Photo by Nydia Hartono '17)