Media gallery

Woodrow Wilson Fellow in Residence

Governor John Baldacci
Former U.S. Congressman and Governor from Maine
“How and Why Congress is Dysfunctional”

November 2, 2011

While the dysfunction seen today in the U.S. Congress seems to be at its nadir, history tells of even stronger battles with fists and guns between uncompromising members of Congress. Still, today’s partisanship in Washington is often seen as a barrier to government’s call to serve the public good.

Governor John Baldacci brought to light the constitutional provisions that lead to political stalemate in his public address “How and Why Congress is Dysfunctional” during his public address on November 2 at Younts Conference Center. This public address was the highlight of several interactions he had on Furman’s campus.

As a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow from October 31- November 4, Governor Baldacci engaged with students and faculty in a variety of venues and formats. He shared his expertise and experience, and he also got to hear from students about their experiences: members of Congress they were shadowing, study away programs they’ve participated in, and internships they have had. This exchange of ideas is a valuable part of engaged learning at Furman University.

Highlights of Governor Baldacci’s visit to Furman:

  • Met with President Smolla at White Oaks
  • Toured the sustainability program on Furman’s campus
  • Visited classes in economics, environment policy and American politics
  • Had meals with groups of 3 and 4 students of the Riley Institute Advance Team
  • Met with community leaders in “green business” and in increasing access to healthcare
  • Visited Caesar’s Head and hiked on Raven Cliff Falls trail

About Governor Baldacci

To learn more about Governor Baldacci, click here for a “Conversation with outgoing Governor John Baldacci” and click here for an interview with Baldacci from November 2009; for his complete biography, click here.