SHEPHERDSTOWN, W. Va., Nov. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University held the first installment of its ongoing forum, the American Conversation Series, on Monday, Nov. 4 at the Frank Center Theater at Shepherd University.

University students, faculty and community members attended "The State of Political Discourse in Today's America" featuring Donna Brazile, former Democratic Party National Chairwoman, and Mercedes Schlapp, former White House Director of Strategic Communications under President Trump. Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix moderated the forum.

Brazile and Schlapp discussed the importance of restoring civil political discourse to a nation divided by political differences. "We've got to learn how to meet in the middle," noted Brazile. "'Compromise' should not be a dirty word." Schlapp agreed, stating during the forum that "the more we can find common ground, the more successful we can be."

"The first event in the American Conversation Series was a success by any evaluation. We were very pleased that C-Span chose to broadcast the event live to a national audience. We believe this is due to the increased attention being paid to the issue of political civility and discourse," says David Welch, Director of the Stubblefield Institute. "In front of a thoughtful and engaged audience, Brazile and Schlapp not only covered the importance of political civility, they also modeled it throughout their discussion."

A wine and dessert reception followed the discussion, during which Brazile signed copies of her most recent book, Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-Ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House.

The American Conversation Series is part of a slate of events planned by the Stubblefield Institute to draw attention to the benefits of civility and cooperation in current U.S. politics. To learn more about the American Conversation Series and the Stubblefield Institute, visit http://www.stubblefieldinstitute.org.

About the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University

The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications officially opened its doors on July 1, 2019, with offices in the beautiful Frank Center on the campus of Shepherd University. Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield funded the Institute through the Shepherd University Foundation. Its mission is to offer students and the public an advanced platform for the study of political discourse by addressing the role communications plays in our divided national culture and contribute to a more positive dialogue and exchange of political differences.

SOURCE Stubblefield Institute