2026 Dilemmas of Democracy: A Conversation with Ayesha Rascoe

What is it like to report on the White House? What challenges face public broadcasting? You'll get the answers to all of these questions and more during Dilemmas of Democracy: A Conversation with Ayesha Rascoe. You'll learn how Rascoe's role as a journalist has impacted her understanding of democracy and politics, and how she approaches conversations with people she disagrees with.

This student-led conversation is free and open to the public. A dessert reception and book signing will follow the discussion. Parking is available at the Nittany Deck.

Rascoe is the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and the weekend host of Up First. She interviews politicians, entertainers, authors, and more about stories everyone should be discussing. Prior to being a host, Rascoe was a White House correspondent during three presidential administrations and was known for her sharp questioning during press briefings. Before joining NPR, Rascoe was a reporter for ten years at Reuters. She is a proud graduate of Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, DC.

Copies of HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, which was compiled and edited by Rascoe, will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

An American Sign Language interpreter will be present for the lecture. If you anticipate needing other accommodations, please contact scholars@psu.edu.