Omnia Podcast: Democracy and Decision 2024

This season of Omnia, the podcast on all things Penn Arts & Sciences, examines the state of U.S. democracy in the context of the upcoming presidential election. Between now and just after Election Day, we’ll take on topics like the myths and realities of political polarization, how media is shaping our understanding of the issues and candidates, and how state voting laws have changed.

We’ll also have some post-election analysis with folks working on NBC News Decision Desk Team, including Stephanie Perry, Executive Director of the Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies (PORES) and the Fox Leadership Program, and this season’s podcast host.

Check back regularly for new episodes.

Episode One: “Truth and Democracy”

Featuring Sophia Rosenfeld, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, in conversation with Perry about some of the big questions at the heart of American democracy like whether common sense has changed in the context of politics, how a healthy democracy works, who decides what’s true in democracy, and much more. 

Episode Two: “The Voice of Democracy”

Featuring Diana Mutz, Samuel A. Stouffer Professor of Political Science and Communication, in conversation with Perry about a range of media-related topics, from media consumption to the institution’s influence on how the public understands government and politics.

Episode Three: “The Fight for Democracy”

Featuring Matthew Levendusky, Professor of Political Science
Coming October 22

Episode Four: “The Gears of Democracy”

Featuring Marc Meredith, Professor of Political Science
Coming November 5, Election Day

Episode Five: “Decision 2024: What Happened?”

Featuring John Lapinski, Robert A. Fox Leadership Professor of Political Science, director of PORES and director of Elections at NBC News
Coming November 12