Working the Midterm Elections

The outcome of the 2014 midterm elections was a clear victory for the GOP. What were the strategies that made some campaigns win while others lost? This panel discussion featured four SMPA alumni who worked first-hand with the 2014 midterms in various capacities. Each brought a different perspective about how political campaigns function, including new digital strategies, polling, and communication with the public. Students learned what worked for successful campaigns, what didn’t pan out, and about what it’s like to be immersed in an election cycle from the front lines.

The discussion was moderated by Professor of Media and Public Affairs Steven V. Roberts, and will be followed by a question and answer session.

Speakers

Andrew Feldman, BA '11 | @AndrewFeldman is a messaging and communications expert who has had a passion for politics since a very young age. In 2014, a midterm election year where Democrats suffered some of the worst losses in its party's history; Feldman was able to craft winning messaging and strategy for several candidates and ballot campaigns.  He overcame the Republican wave by guiding Congressman John Delaney to his first reelection victory.

Jennifer Nedeau, BA '07 | @JenNedeau is Director of Strategic Communications at Bully Pulpit Interactive. This past midterm election season, Nedeau ran political ad campaigns in six competitive states. She has also helped BPI to be featured by media outlets such as CNN, National Journal, The New York Times, Campaigns and Elections, AdAge, AdWeek among others In March of 2010, she was chosen as one of “30 extraordinary women making history” by the Women’s Media Center.

Megan Whittemore, BA '08 | @MeganWhittemore is the Communications Director for U.S. Senator David Perdue. She joined the Georgia Republican's campaign as spokesperson where she developed daily messaging, managed crisis communications, and executed rapid response to national and statewide media.  Megan previously served as Press Secretary to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the U.S. House of Representatives. Megan started on Capitol Hill as Deputy Press Secretary for the Office of the Republican Whip.

David Kanevsky, BA '02 | @DavidKanevsky is Vice President at American Viewpoint, specializing in political and public affairs research. David has conducted more than 700 survey research projects in 45 states. He has handled polling for candidates and organizations across the country, from the Presidential campaign and national committees to state and local races/ In the 2014 election cycle, David conducted polling for campaigns, national committees and SuperPACs in 11 statewide races.

Moderator Steven V. Roberts has been a journalist for almost 50 years, covering some of the major events of his time, from the antiwar movement and student revolts of the 60s and 70s to President Reagan's historic trip to Moscow in 1988 and twelve presidential election campaigns.  His 25-year career with the New York Times included assignments as bureau chief in Los Angeles and Athens, and as Congressional and White House correspondent. He was a senior writer at U.S. News for seven years, specializing in national politics and foreign policy.