Richard Rosenbaum to Speak at Northeastern Political Science Association Conference

Former New York State Republican leader and RIT Press author to give insight about political scene

Author, attorney and former New York State Supreme Court Justice Richard Rosenbaum will deliver the Pi Sigma Alpha lecture at the Northeastern Political Science Association’s dinner Nov. 19 in Philadelphia. The association’s 41st annual conference aims to enhance and expand the knowledge of politics. More than 800 political scientists from around the world will attend.

“I am honored to be invited by the NPSA to present this lecture before highly regarded political scientists from as far away as Korea,” says Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum, senior counsel at Nixon Peabody LLP, is the author of No Room for Democracy: The Triumph of Ego Over Common Sense (RIT Press). A central figure in Republican politics in New York and nationally for decades, Rosenbaum was the Republican state chairman under Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He also served as an advisor and confidante to several U.S. presidents. In the book, he offers firsthand accounts to behind-the-scenes events. Among those that Rosenbaum both witnessed and affected:

  • The campaign he successfully orchestrated to have Nelson Rockefeller named Gerald Ford’s vice president after Spiro Agnew’s disgraceful resignation preceded Richard Nixon’s departure from the presidency. When Ford replaced Nixon as president and had to appoint a new VP, George H.W. Bush was actively pursuing the job. Many insiders were surprised when he did not get it and credited Rosenbaum for the coup.
  • The story behind the $35,000 mink-lined bed, designed by artist Max Ernst, which Rockefeller had installed in the vice president’s residence.
  • His behind-the-scenes campaign to deny Ronald Reagan the Republican presidential nomination in 1976 and gain the nomination for Gerald Ford.

In addition to talking about his political career, Rosenbaum will offer insight about the present-day political landscape. Some of Rosenbaum’s advice to conference attendees: “As political scientists, you are in a unique position to change the ways politics is conducted. It is your responsibility to teach students the importance of civility which is sadly lacking in political discourse today.”

No Room for Democracy is available at http://carypress.rit.edu.


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