New CPF Fellows on Politics Today

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) Co-Directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy joined Fall 2025 CPF Fellows, Jim DeBoo, Frank Lavin, April Ryan, David Simas, and Helen Torres, for a discussion on the current state of politics today on Wednesday, August 27. They discussed the Trump Administration, Gavin Newsom and California politics, and the impact of Trump's tariffs, ICE raids, and redistricting efforts. The conversation also explored the Fellows’ study groups and their wide-ranging careers in politics and public service. Featuring: Jim DeBoo: Founder, DeBoo Strategic Affairs; Former Chief of Staff to Gavin Newsom; Fall 2025 CPF Fellow Frank Lavin: Former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore; Fall 2025 CPF Fellow April Ryan: Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent; Fall 2025 CPF Fellow David Simas: Managing Director, Emerson Collective; Former President, Obama Foundation; Fall 2025 CPF Fellow Helen Torres: CEO, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE); Fall 2025 CPF Fellow Bob Shrum (Moderator): CPF Director; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy (Moderator): CPF Co-Director; Republican Strategist Learn more about the Fellows Program: https://bit.ly/cpfFellows Learn more about the Center: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-p... Learn more about this event: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/new-cp... Timestamps: 00:00-01:15 - Opening Remarks by Bob Shrum 01:15-02:08 - Jim DeBoo Study Group Introduction 02:08-02:59 - Frank Lavin Study Group Introduction 02:59-04:09 - April Ryan Study Group Introduction 04:09-05:38 - David Simas Study Group Introduction 05:38-06:56 - Helen Torres Study Group Introduction 06:56-16:28 - What is it like to be a White House correspondent in the Trump era? How does it differ from previous presidential eras? What are the prospects for a return to “normalcy” after 2028? 16:28-20:16 - What does the ballot measure to redistrict California’s congressional map look like so far? How would DeBoo respond to critics who say that this not only undermines California’s historic redistricting reform, but argue that the state is already malapportioned? 20:16-26:47 - How did Gavin Newsom’s new social media strategy emerge? Is it benefiting Democrats and the governor ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run? 26:47-29:01 - Is it possible to make a case for President Trump’s tariffs? Could they yield some benefits for the U.S.? 29:01-34:55 - Is there room for respect in American politics today? 34:55-42:44 - How does Simas assess the current state of the Democratic Party amid debates over its future direction? 42:44-45:29 - Will the recent ICE raids ignite a meaningful change in Latino support for Trump? How can Democrats become more competitive in appealing to the Latino community? 45:29-48:00 - Are younger generations hopeful or cynical about American politics? 48:00-59:22 - Audience Q&A 59:22-1:00:07 - Closing Remarks