Class to podcast

What does it mean to win a presidential election? For students in professor Chris Devine’s Political Parties, Campaigns and Elections class at the University of Dayton, the answer lies in weeks of class discussions and several strategies learned so far in the course. 

The class aims to give students an in-depth understanding of the world of politics, media influence and bias in politics during political campaigns and elections. Devine emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, so students were asked to complete an assignment creating a campaign memo. 

Devine said he asked students to “put themselves in the position of a campaign strategist who is writing a memo to the campaign manager.” 

The memo assignment directed students to outline how their random assignment of presidential candidates could reach the goal of 270 votes in the 2024 presidential election. Students included strategies and tactics that would advance the campaign of their choice objectives. 

In November, Steve Scully, podcast host of “The Briefing with Steve Scully” on Sirius XM, invited Devine on his podcast to speak about the presidential campaign. Devine brought along UD juniors Haley Reid and Jakob Burdick (the two students with the highest grades in his class) to talk about the memo assignment and how they planned each candidates’ path to 270. 

Reid, a double major in political science and public relations, said Devine’s class was beneficial to her growth as a student.

“[It] was incredibly transformative in my understanding of what a campaign really needs to focus on in order to get to 270 electoral votes,” she said.

Burdick agreed:

“... being able to look at the campaign through a different lens in a way that is more analytical and strategic rather than just what I agree with.” 

Both students explained that they felt the course was an amazing opportunity for them to grow their understanding of politics in a real way, learning through experience.

“As I watch primetime interviews of presidential candidates, it's easy for me, and I think a lot of other people in the current political state, to have these messages go over their heads …” she said, “but something that really stood out to me throughout this process is how influential [media] can be.” 

During the discussion, Skully asked the students a range of questions about the class where Devine helped them reflect on the election process and the analytical approaches to politics. 

“I cannot extend my praise enough to Dr. Devine and his area of expertise,” Burdick said. 

Reid said the political science academic spaces at UD, especially in Devine’s class, helped her further understand the outlook for the election.

“It has reinforced the idea that voting is so critically important,” she said.