University of Minnesota Launches New Web Site Designed for Media Covering the Republican National Convention

 http://www.umn.edu/rnc puts political experts and info on political panels

                        at journalists' fingertips.



    MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 18 /EMWNews/ -- With the

Republican National Convention just two weeks away, the University of

Minnesota is unveiling a special Web site designed specifically for media

covering the convention in St. Paul. At http://www.umn.edu/rnc, journalists

will find top political, policy, campaign and election experts; story

ideas; information on RNC-related programming for journalists, an

Associated Press photography exhibit "The American President," directions

to the university and more.



    The site features sources such as political science professor Kathryn

Pearson and nationally recognized media contributor Larry Jacobs, director

of the Center for Politics and Governance at the Humphrey Institute of

Public Affairs. The U of M RNC Web site even offers audio and video of

select experts giving media a chance to hear and see the experts discuss

the issues.



    Pearson is an expert in American politics, political parties and

campaigns and elections. Pearson can offer in-depth looks at several key

topics including vice-presidential candidate choices, Minnesota Gov. Tim

Pawlenty, political conventions, negative campaigning and more.



    Jacobs is an expert in politics and American political history,

presidential races, public opinion and polling, swing states and Social

Security and health care policy.



    As director of the Center for Politics and Governance at the Humphrey

Institute of Public Affairs, Jacobs has played a pivotal role in creating a

premier forum for independent and respected analysis and commentary during

the RNC from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Sept. 1-4.

"America's Future: Conversations about Politics and Policy during the 2008

Republican National Convention" is targeted to journalists, policy makers,

and public officials who want to learn more about the issues and challenges

that the next presidential administration will undoubtedly face. Leading

analysts from the Council on Foreign Relations, the Brookings Institution,

the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and other

organizations are participating.



    The forum leads off on Monday, Sept. 1 with the session Faith and

Politics with panelists Richard Land, president, Ethics and Religious

Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention; Steve Waldman, co-founder,

CEO and editor, Beliefnet.com; Jim Wallis, editor, Sojourners Magazine and

moderator Krista Tippett, host and producer, Speaking of Faith, American

Public Media.



    Other sessions include the following sessions: Global Climate Change;

Effectiveness of Foreign Aid; Conservatism Today; Foreign Policy Challenges

for the Next Administration; Truth Telling in the Media and the Fall

Elections; Convention Politics and the Fall Elections; Building a Better,

Safer World: What Will President McCain Do? (Speakers will include members

of McCain's foreign policy team).



    For complete forum information and to register for sessions, see

http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cspg/rnc.html.



    "The American President," an exhibit of compelling news photos from the

Associated Press, will be on view in the Humphrey Museum and Forum at the

Hubert H. Humphrey Center, 301 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis. The exhibit is

co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota School of Journalism & Mass

Communication and the Humphrey Institute's Center for the Study of Politics

and Governance.



    The exhibit shows American presidents at war and at ease, in victory

and in defeat, confronting national crises and facing personal scandals,

running for office and leading the country on the world stage.



    The display will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, through Sept. 19. Admission is free. More

information about the exhibit is available on the Associated Press Web site

at http://www.ap.org/americanpresident/.



    For the latest experts, stories and programs during the RNC, remember

to go to http://www.umn.edu/rnc.



    Drew Swain, University News Service, (612) 625-8962 or [email protected]

or University of Minnesota News Service at (612) 624-5551 or [email protected]