Common Ground
with Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel
Cal Thomas is an award-winning journalist, FOX News commentator and co-author of the USA Today column “Common Ground”
Bob Beckel is a political consultant, FOX News commentator and co-author of the USA Today column “Common Ground”
WHEN: Friday, November 11, 2011
12:00PM – 1:15PM
WHERE: Wedgwood Ballroom, Hilton Anatole Hotel
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75207
Anatole valet parking is available at the Atrium entrance at $16; self-parking is available in Lot 3 at $9.
On November 11, the NCPA welcomes Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas as a part of the Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series.
Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel, authors of the popular column “Common Ground” in USA Today, are at opposite ends of the political spectrum yet share similar critiques of the problems in Washington and the overwhelming partisan divide. Thomas, a conservative award-winning journalist, and Beckel, a democratic political consultant, are leading experts on the issues that divide the political parties and will offer solutions on how politicians can end partisan warfare and work together to address issues our nation faces.
About Cal Thomas
With a twice-weekly column appearing in more than 550 newspapers nationwide, Cal Thomas is the most widely read and one of the most highly regarded voices on the American political scene.
A graduate of American University, Thomas is a 40-year veteran of broadcast and print journalism. He has worked for NBC, CNBC, and PBS television. He is the host of After Hours with Cal Thomas on the FOX News Channel. The program airs each Saturday from 11-11:30 PM (ET.) He is also a commentator for Fox News. He also hosts a daily radio program syndicated to more than 300 stations nationwide.
In 1995, Thomas was honored with a Cable Ace Award nomination for Best Interview Program. Other awards include a George Foster Peabody team reporting award, and awards from both the Associated Press and United Press International.
A writer of force and clarity, Thomas has authored ten books, including his most current release, The Wit and Wisdom of Cal Thomas (Barbour Publishing 2001). He has also penned Blinded by Might: Can the Religious Right Save America?, A Freedom Dream, Public Persons and Private Lives, Book Burning, Liberals for Lunch, Occupied Territory, The Death of Ethics in America, Uncommon Sense and Things That Matter Most.
In addition to his journalistic and literary achievements, Thomas lectures frequently on college campuses and is in great demand as a speaker for private, public and corporate audiences worldwide.
Thomas and his wife, Ray, who is a family therapist, have four children and eight grandchildren and live in Washington, DC.
About Bob Beckel
Combining political savvy, campaign experience, and a sharp wit, Bob Beckel has emerged as one of Washington’s leading political analysts. He has a veteran’s perspective from his years in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and leading dozens of election campaigns, and blends wry stories of life in the political trenches with a strategist’s analysis.
After a political baptism as a college student working for Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign, a tour of duty in the Peace Corps, and a successful stint heading up his own consulting firm, Bob joined the federal government in 1977. As a deputy assistant secretary of state in the Carter administration, he steered the controversial Panama Canal Treaties through Congress. He then moved to the White House to head the administration’s effort to press Congress into passing the Mideast and SALT II Treaties.
He resumed his career as a political consultant until Walter Mondale asked him to manage his 1984 campaign for the presidency. As national campaign manager, he oversaw Mondale’s successful race for the Democratic nomination. He is credited with pulling together the campaign after its defeat in New Hampshire and became known as the man who wrapped the “Where’s the Beef?” slogan around Gary Hart so effectively.
For the past several years, Beckel has had an active consulting practice, and advises his clients on communication strategy, consensus building, and public policy. He is one of Washington’s most prolific speakers.
Beckel was a regular guest on CNN’s Crossfire and worked with counterpart Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard as a senior political analyst for CBS This Morning. He has been a contributing columnist for the Los Angeles Times during the last three presidential campaigns, and was a guest host for Larry King Live. He also co-hosted Crossfire Sunday with Lynne Cheney for three years. He also worked with former GOP Chairman Haley Barbour as a political analyst for numerous local and international broadcast outlets for 12 years.
Currently, Mr. Beckel is a graduate professor in advanced political strategy at George Washington University. He is a regular Democratic political analyst for FOX News. He also appears regularly on broadcast network newscasts, and is a syndicated columnist with Tribune Media Services.