New School President Bob Kerrey takes part in an informal discussion with former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham. Graham is the author of America, the Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work for You (CQ Press, 2009) and founder of the Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. The evening will focus on Senator Graham’s distinguished career in government and his perspectives on today’s critical issues, including national security and ways ordinary citizens can affect government policy.

Senator Graham’s 38 years of public service include eight years as governor of Florida, 18 years as a U.S. senator, and 12 years in the Florida legislature. As governor and senator, Graham was a centrist committed to uniting his colleagues behind programs that served the interest of the broadest majority possible. Graham retired from public service in January 2005, following his 2004 presidential campaign.

Senator Graham is chairman of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Building on the work of the 9/11 Commission, the commission assesses U.S. performance in preventing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; on the basis of this assessment, it offers concrete suggestions for enhancing national security. The commission’s report, World at Risk, was published in fall 2008. Graham was also appointed to serve on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, established by Congress to examine the global and domestic causes of the recent financial crisis.

Graham regularly contributes to National Public Radio’s Morning Edition; is a frequent guest on CNN, FOX, and MSNBC News; and writes numerous opinion pieces for national and local newspapers.