Northwestern University Commentary

David Zarefsky on Rhetoric in the Presidential Campaign

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:41:00 CST

As the 2008 Presidential campaign moves into full swing, much of the attention surrounding the races for party nominations has focused on the messages of the individual candidates. David Zarefsky is a professor of communication studies at Northwestern University and an expert on political rhetoric. He says the use of rhetoric in political campaigns has changed greatly in recent years…

William Reno on the Electoral Conflict in Kenya

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:36:00 CST

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has agreed to help mediate an electoral conflict in Kenya that has resulted in violence. William Reno is an associate professor of political science at Northwestern University and says the outcome of the situation in Kenya has implications for the United States….

Mark Witte on Stimulating the Economy

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:12:00 CST

In an effort to stimulate the U.S. economy, President Bush has proposed a $140 billion package that is a mix of tax rebates for families and incentives for businesses. Northwestern University economist Mark Witte says a tax break for poorer Americans would likely be most effective…

Dr. Marc Weissbluth FDA Regulation of Cough and Cold Medication for Children

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:22:00 CST

The Food and Drug Administration has recommended against the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children under the age of two…and may issue a similar warning for children under the age of six by this spring. Dr. Marc Weissbluth is a professor of pediatric medicine at Northwestern University and says such medications have never been very effective…

Vivian Vahlberg on How Teens Get Their News From the Internet

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:02:00 CST

Research by Northwestern University’s Media Management Center has revealed new information about teenagers, the Internet, and their consumption of news. Vivian Vahlberg is the center’s digital media director…

Victoria DeFrancesco-Soto on the Latino Vote and Super Tuesday

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:28:00 CST

On Tuesday, more than 20 states will head to the polls or caucuses in what is the closest thing the United States has ever had to a national presidential primary. Victoria DeFrancesco-Soto is an assistant professor of political science at Northwestern University says the Latino vote could be very important, in particular in the Democratic primaries…

Kenneth Janda on Super Tuesday Results

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:17:00 CST

With Super Tuesday behind us in the 2008 presidential nomination process, John McCain has emerged as leading candidate in the Republican Party, while things remain a bit more unclear in the Democratic Party. We sat down with Northwestern University political scientist Kenneth Janda to get his take on the Super Tuesday results and where we go from here.

Dr. Russell Robertson on Children and Head Lice

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:25:00 CST

Eli Finkel on the Romantic Preferences of Men and Women

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:44:00 CST

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered new information about what motivates men and women when it comes to romantic attraction. Eli Finkel is an assistant professor of psychology and conducted the research with graduate student Paul Eastwick...

Dr. Ruchi Gupta on Asthma and Chicago's Youth

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:18:00 CST

New research at Northwestern University has indicated that rates of asthma, the most prevalent chronic childhood disease in the country, varies widely by neighborhood in Chicago, which traditionally has had one of the nation’s highest mortality rates from the condition. Dr. Ruchi Gupta is an associate professor of pediatrics at Northwestern…

Edward Gibson on Fidel Castro's Resignation

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:44:00 CST

With this week’s announcement that Cuban President Fidel Castro will step down, it remains unclear what the island’s future will hold. To get a better picture on Castro’s decision to resign and its possible impact, we’re having a discussion with Northwestern University political scientist Edward Gibson.

Andrew Wachtel on Serbian Reaction to Kosovo's Declaration of Independence.

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:25:00 CST

Protests, some of them violent, continue in Serbia after the recent declaration of independence by the country’s former province of Kosovo. Andrew Wachtel is director of the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies at Northwestern University and says the protests aren’t a surprise….

Richard Joseph on President Bush and Africa

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:37:00 CST

President Bush recently completed what will undoubtedly be his last visit to Africa while serving as President of the United States. We sat down with Northwestern University political scientist Richard Joseph to discuss the visit and the Bush administration's policies related to Africa.

Alice Eagly on Gender Bias and the Presidential Election

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:20:00 CST

This Tuesday’s primaries in Texas and Ohio are considered by many to be crucial to Sen. Hillary Clinton as she seeks the Democratic nomination for President against Sen. Barack Obama. Clinton would be the first woman nominated for President, while Obama would be the first African American nominated for the job. Alice Eagly is a professor of psychology at Northwestern University and says in most cases it is easier to overcome racial bias than gender bias…

Kenneth Janda on the Ohio and Texas Primaries

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:57:00 CST

With Tuesday’s primaries in Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Rhode Island now complete, the race for the Republican nomination for the White House has ended, while the campaign will continue on the Democratic side of the aisle. We sat down with Northwestern University political scientist Kenneth Janda to chat about Tuesday’s results.

Kathryn Reid on Daylight Savings Time

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:25:00 CST

This weekend, much of the United States will switch to Daylight Savings Time…marking the second year the change has been done in March in an effort to curb energy use. Kathryn Reid is an assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University and says, in general, time changes like those associated with Daylight Savings Time aren’t that significant to the body’s circadian rhythm…

Karen Daniel on Compensation for the Wrongfully Convicted

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:34:00 CDT

Efforts are underway in Illinois to change the process by which those who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime are compensated for time served once they are exonerated. Karen Daniel is a senior staff attorney at Northwestern University’s Center on Wrongful Convictions and says it can take months or even years under the current process for exonerees to obtain an official pardon from the governor, currently the only way under Illinois law that they can receive compensation…

Aaron Gellman on Boeing and the Air Force Tanker Contract

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:27:00 CDT

Some members of Congress are requesting more information on the award of a $40 billion Air Force tanker contract to the European-based parent of Airbus over American-based Boeing. Northwestern University aviation analyst Aaron Gellman says Boeing’s loss of the contract is a mixed bag for the company…

Martha Biondi on Racial Issues and the Presidential Campaign

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:39:00 CDT

The campaign for President turned its focus to racial issues this week as Sen. Barack Obama addressed controversial remarks by his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Martha Biondi is an associate professor of African American Studies at Northwestern University and believes Obama’s speech was effective in addressing the issues at hand…

Spyros Konstantoupoulos on Small Class Sizes and the Achievement Gap

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:08:00 CDT

Research at Northwestern University has revealed new information regarding the effort by some school districts to close the achievement gap by reducing class size. Spyros Konstantoupoulos is an assistant professor at Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy and says he examined children in small classes in kindergarten and first grade…

Michael Sherry on the Iraq War from a Historical Perspective

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:55:00 CDT

As the United States enters its sixth year at war in Iraq, the number of U.S. deaths as a result of the conflict has passed the 4, 000 mark. Michael Sherry is a military historian at Northwestern University and says the number of casualties is a bit misleading…

Dr. Russell Robertson on The Rise in Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:20:00 CDT

A recently completed study by the Centers for Disease Control has revealed some alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescent women. Dr. Russell Robertson is chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Northwestern University….

Daniel Molden on Motivating Employees After Bad Decisions

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:11:00 CDT

Research from Northwestern University has revealed new information about how business leaders might best motivate their employees when an employee has made a wrong decision. Daniel Molden is an assistant professor of psychology….

Richard Iton on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:25:00 CDT

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Richard Iton is as associate professor of African American Studies at Northwestern University and says King forever changed the way Americans think about racial issues…

Jennifer Richeson on Interracial Relations

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:22:00 CDT

Recent controversies such as the “Jena Six” in Louisiana and remarks made by Barack Obama’s former pastor have once again brought a focus on race in the United States. Now, research by Northwestern University social psychologist Jennifer Richeson indicates new trends regarding how some whites deal with interracial relationships with African-Americans....

Dr. Jack Kessler on a Promising New Nanotechnology for Spinal Cord Injruy

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:19:00 CDT

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new technology that offers promise in treating paralysis and other symptoms that result from spinal cord injuries. Dr. Jack Kessler is a professor of stem cell biology and says nerve fibers that are damaged from spinal cord injuries have the capacity to regenerate, but don’t do to a variety of reasons…

Victor Shih on China and the Olympic Torch Protests

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:58:00 CDT

As the Olympic torch makes its journey from its traditional home in Greece to the summer games in Beijing, China, protesters are crowding the route citing concerns with China’s human rights record…in particular with Tibet. Victor Shih is an assistant professor of political science at Northwestern University and joins us now to discuss the current situation in China. Victor, what is at the heart of this conflict?

Robert McClory on Pope Benedict XVI's Visit to the U.S.

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:49:00 CDT

This week marks Pope Benedict XVI’s first visit to the United States as the spiritual leader of the nation’s Roman Catholics. Robert McClory is an emeritus professor at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and says an important part of his trip will be his discussion with American bishops, which will likely center around “absolute truths.”

Seth Stein on the Midwest Earthquake

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:12:00 CDT

Much of the Midwest was jolted awake during the night recently after the area was struck by an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale. Northwestern University geologist Seth Stein says the quake and its epicenter, along the southern portion of the Illinois/Indiana border, didn’t surprise him….

Leslie McCall on the Middle Class and the Economy

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:49:00 CDT

A recent study indicated that a growing number of middle class Americans say they aren’t better off now than they were five years ago, taken by some to be a sign of continually slowing economy in the United States. Leslie McCall is a associate professor of sociology at Northwestern University and says there are some worrisome trends…

Joe Feinglass on Amputation Rates in Chicago

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:47:00 CDT

New research at Northwestern University has revealed some alarming trends regarding the rates of amputations, which can be common as a result of diabetes, in predominantly African-American communities in Chicago. Joe Feinglass is a research professor of medicine at Northwestern…

Kenneth Janda on the Race for the Democratic Nomination for President

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:49:00 CDT

With Democratic Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama splitting recent contests in Indiana and North Carolina, neither has yet to secure the number of delegates required for the nomination. Obama is in the lead. Northwestern University political scientist Kenneth Janda liekns the recent Clinton campaign to a basketball team attempting a comeback in the final seconds of a game.

NewsWire Podcast - Thursday, May 8, 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:57:00 CDT

The latest news and information from Northwestern University for Thursday, May 8, 2008

Mark Witte on the Economic Stimulus Tax Rebates

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:19:00 CDT

Many Americans have begun to receive tax rebates as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Northwestern University economist Mark Witte doubts the rebates will have a huge impact on the economy….

Lynne Kiesling on Gax Tax Holidays

Fri, 16 May 2008 02:55:00 CDT

As a result of record-high gas prices in the United States, several states and Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John McCain are proposing gas tax holidays in an effort to provide some relief to consumers. Northwestern University economist Lynne Kiesling doesn't belive a gas tax holiday would be effective in significantly lowering prices...

Lonnie Dunlap on Job Prospects for the Class of 2008

Tue, 20 May 2008 06:22:00 CDT

With graduation ceremonies underway at many colleges around the country, this year's graduates are transitioning from school life to working life. Lonnie Dunlap is Director of Career Services at Northwestern University and says despite the lagging economy, there are a number of areas that are hiring extensively...

Pamela Bannos on the Hidden Truths of Chicago's Lincoln Park

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:50:00 CDT

A new web-based project developed by faculty member Pamela Bannos is shedding new light on the former use of one of Chicago’s most popular recreational destinations. Bannos says Lincoln Park was used as a cemetery until the 1860s, when the city stopped burying people at the site for a variety of reasons….

Ernest Moore on Possible Cures for Tinnitus

Fri, 23 May 2008 12:56:00 CDT

Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinburg School of Medicine are among a small group of people investigating possible cures for a hearing condition called tinnitus that is impacting a growing number of people. Ernest Moore is an adjunct professor of medicine and says tinnitus is a ringing in the ears that can cause hearing loss…

Dr. Russell Robertson on the Measles

Wed, 28 May 2008 02:01:00 CDT

A number of countries, including Canada and Ireland, and a number of states in the United States are experiencing an increase in the number of measles cases this year. Dr. Russell Robertson is chair of family medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and says the disease, which is highly contagious, can often be misdiagnosed….

Dr. Steven Rosen on National Cancer Survivors Day

Fri, 30 May 2008 10:51:00 CDT

Sunday marks National Cancer Survivors Day and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will commemorate the occasion with a leisurely walk in Chicago’s Grant Park. Dr. Steven Rosen is the center’s director…

Micaela Di Leonardo on the Sex and the City Movie

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:48:00 CDT

This weekend’s opening of the film version of the popular television show Sex and the City took in more than $55 million dollars, ranking it as one of the top five best openings for an R-rated film in the United States. Micaela Di Leonardo is a professor of anthropology at Northwestern University and believes the franchise is successful for a number of reasons…

Kenneth Janda on the End of the Presidential Primary Season

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:41:00 CDT

With the Presidential primary season now at a close, Sen. Barack Obama has become the presumptive Democratic nominee for the White House despite a late charge by Sen. Hillary Clinton. We talked with Northwestern University political scientist Kenneth Janda about the current situation.

David Zarefsky on John McCain's Town Hall Meeting Proposal

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:15:00 CDT

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain has proposed a series of town hall-style meetings between him and Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama. David Zarfesky is a professor of communication studies at Northwestern University and believes McCain has a number of reasons for making the proposal….

Andrew Koppelman on Same-Sex Marriage in California

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:40:00 CDT

On Monday, same-sex couples in California will be allowed to marry under a upheld by the state’s supreme court earlier this year. Northwestern University law professor Andrew Koppelman…

Dr. June Robinson on Skin Cancer and Protection from the Summer Sun

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:36:00 CDT

With summer set to officially begin this weekend, many Americans will begin spending even more time outside taking advantage of the nice weather. Northwestern dermatologist Dr. June Robinson says, however, it is important to be aware of the damage that too much exposure to the sun can cause to the skin….

Charles Dowding on Midwest Flooding

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:34:00 CDT

Flooding continues throughout the Midwest, with many river towns in peril from nearby levees that have already broken or at risk of breaking. Charles Dowding is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University and believes urbanization is impacting the way levees are responding to the current floods…

Richard Joseph on the Zimbabwe Elections

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:44:00 CDT

The African Union is calling on Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to form a unity government in the wake of his disputed election. Richard Joseph is director of Northwestern University’s Program of African Studies and explains why many leaders on the continent have been slow to criticize Mugabe….

Michael Smith on the State of the Newspaper Industry

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:01:00 CDT

Layoffs continue at large newspapers around the country such as the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel as publishers try to cope with diminished ad revenue. Michael Smith is executive director of Northwestern University’s Media Management Center and says not all newspapers are experiencing dire times…

Joseph Schofer on Public Transportation and High Gas Prices

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:16:00 CDT

As the price of gas continues to average above $4 per gallon in the United States, many public transit systems throughout the nation are noting an increase in ridership. Joseph Schofer is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University and says, however, many systems may be reaching a breaking point…

Bill Savage on the Curse and the Chicago Cubs

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:06:00 CDT

As the Major League Baseball season pauses for the traditional midseason all star game, the Chicago Cubs, one hundred years without a championship supposedly as the result of a curse, are poised with the season’s best record thus far. Bill Savage is a senior lecturer in English at Northwestern University and teaches a course in baseball narrative. He says the popular billy goat curse legend dates back to the 1945 World Series and a local tavern owner…

Robert McDonald on the State of the U.S. Banking Industry

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:17:00 CDT

The chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation says the nation’s banks are safe despite the recent closing of California-based IndyMac. Robert McDonald is a professor of finance and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management…

Dr. Gokhan Mutlu and Dr. Scott Budinger on Health Risks for Olympic Spectators Due to Beijing Pollution

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:10:00 CDT

Olympic athletes aren’t the only ones who need to be concerned about the heavily polluted air in Beijing. The dirty air may trigger serious cardiovascular problems for some spectators. We talk with Northwestern University professors of medicine Dr. Gokhan Mutlu and Dr. Scott Budinger.

David Scheffer on the Capture of Radovan Karadzic

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:36:00 CDT

Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic is awaiting extradition to the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague to answer charges of genocide involving the death of some 8,000 Muslims in 1995. David Scheffer is director of the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University’s School of Law…

Lynne Kiesling on Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:12:00 CDT

With gas prices averaging around $4 a gallon in the United States, many are looking for a way to improve the economics of driving. Northwestern University economist Lynne Kiesling believes a plug-in hybrid vehicle could be part of a solution…

David Dranove on Medicare Doctor Payments

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:32:00 CDT

Congress recently overrode a Presidential veto that would have reduced payments to doctors who treat Medicare patients. Despite the restoration of the payments, Northwestern University healthcare industry analyst David Dranove believes something needs to be done about the current payment schedule…

Franz Geiger on the Presidential Candidates and Science Issues

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:43:00 CDT

While much of the ongoing Presidential campaign has focused on issues like the war in Iraq and the economy, Northwestern University chemistry professor Franz Geiger believes the candidates positions on scientific issues are important as well due to the massive amount of federal dollars funneled into research.

Michael Smutko on Water on Mars

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:46:00 CDT

NASA’s Phoenix Rover recently confirmed the presence of water on Mars. Michael Smutko is a senior lecturer in physics and astronomy at Northwestern University says the confirmation is very significant…

Peter Carroll on the Olympics and China

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:40:00 CDT

The opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in Beijing mark the beginning of competition in the first games to be held in an authoritarian country since the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union. Peter Carroll is an associate professor of history at Northwestern University and says the games are extremely important to the Chinese government…

Irving Rein on the Popularity of the Olympics

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:45:00 CDT

As the Olympics in Beijing move into its first full week, focus is shifting from the pageantry of the opening ceremonies to actual competition. Irving Rein is a professor of communication studies at Northwestern University and says the Olympics has changed over the years...

Jenny Conviser on the Olympics and Its Athletes

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:41:00 CDT

As the Summer Olympics continue, athletes continue to adjust to the climate in Beijing. Northwestern University sports psychologist Jenny Conviser says training for the Olympics, in any sport, can be challenging.

Cristina Traina on Religion and the Presidential Campaign

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:09:00 CDT

In a Presidential campaign rarity, candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are appearing jointly at California’s Saddleback Valley Community Church. Cristina Traina is an associate professor of religion at Northwestern University and says it makes sense for McCain and Obama to court votes in a church setting...

Jock McLane on the Resignation of Pervez Musharraf

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:40:00 CDT

Leaders in Pakistan are meeting to try and pick that nation’s next leader after the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf. Northwestern University historian Jock McLane believes it was Musharaff’s autocracy that led to his downfall…

Kenneth Janda on the Democratic National Convention

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:49:00 CDT

As the Democratic National Convention continues in Denver, Sen. Hillary Clinton urged her supporters to get behind Sen. Barack Obama in his bid to take the White House despite a contentious primary campaign between the two. Northwestern University political scientist Kenneth Janda…

Northwestern Athletic Director Jim Phillips on Sports at the University

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:27:00 CDT

When Northwestern University’s football team takes to Ryan Field this Saturday to play Syracuse, it will mark the ceremonial beginning of the University’s first full college athletics season under the direction of Athletic Director Jim Phillips. Phillips came to the Wildcats last April after serving four years in a similar position at Northern Illinois University…bringing with him a track record of success and commitment to the values that Northwestern has always maintained in collegiate athletics. We recently had the chance to sit down with Phillips and discuss his vision for sports at Northwestern.

Clarke Caywood on Gov. Sarah Palin's Acceptance Speech

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:38:00 CDT

Accepting her party’s nomination for Vice President, Gov. Sarah Palin became the first Republican woman to run for the nation’s second highest office. Clarke Caywood is a professor of integrated marketing communication at Northwestern University and says Palin’s acceptance speech, on the whole, was affective…