Writers Bloc Presents Commentator Ben Rhodes with Jon Favreau

Our American story has been influenced and moved by persuasive, often momentous, rhetoric. Speeches given by presidents, social crusades on both sides of the equation often created social change from the ripples they caused in the moment. In Ben Rhodes' new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches, we can trace American social and political movement through 15 specific speeches over the course of 250 years. From Abraham Lincoln to Ronald Reagan, from abolitionist Maria Stewart to Frederick Douglass, from Martin Luther King Jr and Louis Brandeis to Donald Trump, we read the speeches that reflect powerful social movements-- and gauge the impact in front of our eyes. What a way to see the evolution and development of our nation's soul, at our best and at our worst. These speeches represent a crystallization of our highest and lowest moments as a nation-- from our most glorious idealism to our most repugnant extremism.

It's easy to see how Ben Rhodes appreciates these speeches that have directed the course of social and political change in our American history.Ben Rhodes is a writer on U.S. and global politics. A contributor to the New York Times and MSNOW, and co-host of Pod Save the World, Ben has authored two New York Times bestsellers—After the Fall and The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. His latest book, All We Say, is a sweeping look at the battle over American identity and the questions, “What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide?”. He previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama.

Jon Favreau was also an Obama speechwriter, after having worked on Obama’s first presidential campaign in that capacity. Jon is one of the geniuses behind Crooked Media, which hosts the landmark podcasts Pod Save the World and Pod Save America, among many others. Crooked Media is one of the most influential new media companies in the country, specializing in platforming progressive thought leaders.

We encourage carpooling and rideshares as there will be extremely limited parking available. There will not be enough parking spots for all attendees.

Please follow these instructions and allow time to park and to collect your tickets at will call.

Park in the West Lot — 4448 W. 8th St., Los Angeles 90005 (dead-end street)

1. Turn onto W. 8th St. from Lucerne Ave. and continue to the end of the street.

2. Take the short driveway up to the parking lot on your right.

3. The venue entrance is at the north end of the lot, near Wilshire Blvd.

If you have any questions, please email us. Thank you.

Did you know that you can make a fully tax-deductible donation?

As a nonprofit organization, Writers Bloc Presents relies on support from people like you. Help us to remain a strong community as we continue to celebrate literature by authors we love, and explore critical contemporary issues. Please donate here.

No refunds or exchanges on tickets or books. Books must be picked up on the night of the program. Tickets are strictly non-transferable; do not buy tickets from any resale sites or external vendors.