On May 5, 2006, Ambassador Richard Jones hosted a distinguished American Speaker Program at his residence with Professor David Brady, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute. The generational mix in this morning's coffee/dessert discussion brought together undergraduate students and post's more senior, elite audience, who listened attentively to Professor Brady's interesting and humorous presentation. Articulating his views, Professor Brady debunked the commonly-held belief of pundits and scholars on the polarization of contemporary american politics as an ever-widening chasm between democrats and republicans. Citing examples of polarization from the Civil War period to the 2004 elections, professor brady explained that polarization is nothing new to american politics, but has been the norm for political parties throughout much of American History. Polarization, to the degree that it does exist, is a natural condition of politics, largely exaggerated by the media.

Distinguished Speaker Professor David Brady in conversation with Ambassador Richard Jones and Counselor of Public Affairs, Dr. Helena Finn, following his presentation at the Ambassador's residence, May 5, 2006	Distinguished Speaker Professor David Brady during his presentation to a large number of invited guests at the Ambassador's residence, May 5, 2006