Libertarian journalist to deliver Distinguished Lecture

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Andrew Sullivan

Political commentator Andrew Sullivan will deliver the first Northwest Distinguished Lecture of 2007-'08 at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, in the Performing Arts Center's Mary Linn Auditorium.

One of today's most provocative political observers, Sullivan was one of the first journalists to experiment with blogging through his "The Daily Dish," located at www.theatlantic.com.

Before joining "The Atlantic" as a senior editor, Sullivan was an essayist and blogger for "Time." He also served as the youngest editor-in-chief in the history of "The New Republic," where he was widely credited with making the influential periodical more relevant to readers of his generation.

Over the years, Sullivan has stirred controversy with an in-depth critique of the Clinton health-care plan; publication of Charles Murray's "The Bell Curve"; and pioneering coverage of gay rights, affirmative action and the Bosnian War. "Adweek" named him Editor of the Year, and he received National Magazine Awards for reporting, general excellence and public interest.

Sullivan's latest book, "The Conservative Soul: How We Lost It, How to Get It Back," argues for the revival of a conservative tradition based on practical restraint, individual freedom, constitutional norms and skepticism.

An earlier work, "Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality," was one of the first books to argue for civil marriage rights for gay couples. Sullivan is also the author of "Same Sex Marriage: Pro and Con" and "Love Undetectable: Notes on Friendship, Sex and Survival."

Sullivan's articles have appeared in "The Wall Street Journal," "The New York Times," "The Washington Post" and "Esquire." He is also in demand as a speaker and appears as a regular panelist on "The Chris Matthews Show" and "Real Time with Bill Maher." Additional broadcast credits include "Charlie Rose," "Anderson Cooper 360°," "Meet The Press," "Face the Nation," "Nightline," NPR's "Fresh Air" and "Larry King Live."

Born and raised in England, Sullivan came to the U.S. on a Harkness Fellowship, the British equivalent of the Rhodes Scholarship. He attended graduate school at Harvard, where he earned a master's degree in public administration and a Ph.D. in political philosophy. He was an undergraduate at Oxford, where he honed his speaking skills as President of the Oxford Student Union.

Though Sullivan's blog reflects a willingness to admit doubt and change his mind, "The Daily Dish's" core principles remain rooted in fiscal conservatism, limited government and social libertarianism. On other issues, however -- including same-sex marriage, legalizing marijuana and the death penalty -- Sullivan takes positions typically shared by those on the left-hand side of the U.S. political spectrum.

Two additional Distinguished Lectures are scheduled for this year. Both events begin at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is scheduled to appear Wednesday, Oct. 17, and writer/director/producer Barbara Martinez Jitner will be on campus Tuesday, March 18. Martinez Jitner's credits include the documentary "La Frontera" and work as an executive producer on the PBS television series "American Family."

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone (660) 562-1704
Fax (660) 562-1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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