Eric Liu believes in the importance of reaching across the aisle.

Liu, a Time columnist and educator, will be speaking about the importance of bipartisanship at his lecture “The True Meaning of Patriotism,” as part of the University Lectures series, in Hendricks Chapel at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Liu was previously a speechwriter for former president Bill Clinton and also his deputy domestic policy adviser. After his involvement with the Clinton administration, Liu became an executive for the digital media company RealNetworks. He has also regularly appeared on-air as a commentator for MSNBC, according to the University Lectures website.

“This is a man who’s trying to do what Congress isn’t doing,” said Esther Gray, coordinator of University Lectures.

Gray said Liu will discuss how people can exhibit great citizenship. She added that Liu will explain his belief that exhibiting great citizenship entails being involved in one’s community and country.

“Liu believes that the government is about learning to come to a solution in which everyone can benefit,” she said.

Liu will present reasons why both the left and right are accountable in politics for maintaining moral principles while searching for solutions, Gray said. She said it would be beneficial for students to attend the lecture because Liu will discuss a way to reach creative solutions that are not constricted by political ideals.

Liu’s organization, the Guiding Lights Network, promotes and advocates for bipartisanship by organizing conferences for leaders and innovators to come up with original civic initiatives.

Fifteen to 20 invited students will meet with Liu before his lecture at a round table discussion led by Margaret Thompson, an associate professor of history and political science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The round table discussion, Thompson said, provides students who are interested in the lecturer’s subject the opportunity to personally ask questions. She said most of the students invited are from political science courses or the Renée Crown University Honors Program.

“It is a great opportunity for the students and the lecturers enjoy hearing what young people have to say,” she said.

Shana Gadarian, an assistant professor of political science in Maxwell, said five of her students will attend the round table discussion with Liu. She said she believes it is important for students to attend Liu’s lecture so that students can understand how to become more involved in and attentive to politics and the community.

Said Gadarian: “It is important for students to become involved as citizens now, not some time later when they’re adults.”

Published on October 22, 2013 at 1:25 am

Contact Anna: almerod@syr.edu