Robert Kuttner on “Obama’s Challenge”

Robert Kuttner, founding co-editor of The American Prospect and Senior Fellow at DEMOS, a New York-based think tank, came to campus today to speak at the Schemel Forum luncheon.

Robert Kuttner speaking at the DeNaples Center

Kuttner, author of Obama’s Challenge: America’s Economic Crisis and the Power of a Transformational Presidency, criticized President Obama’s approach to economic stimulus, saying that current policy was equivalent to “reinflating the bubble.”   He advocated that Obama listen to dissenting voices, including FDIC chair Sheila Bair and Economic Recovery Advisory Board chairman Paul Volker.  Kuttner’s talk was well attended, and there were excellent discussion questions from the audience.

Sondra Myers, Senior Fellow of the University, with Robert Kuttner at the book signing

After the luncheon, Kuttner stayed to sign copies of his book.  If you’re interested in Kuttner’s perspective (or his signature!), you can find a signed copy of Obama’s Challenge in our University Archives.  Also check out two of Kuttner’s other books, The Squandering of America: How the Failure of our Politics Undermines our Prosperity and The Life of the Party : the Democratic Prospects in 1988 and Beyond – both are available in the Library.

Many thanks to Schemel Forum director Sondra Myers for hosting another excellent event!