Three Tumultuous Presidencies that Rocked American Health Care and Politics

This hybrid seminar will review how the decisions and actions of Presidents Obama, Trump (1) and Biden fundamentally changed American health care, public health and science. It will cover the highlights of Obama’s historic accomplishment of the Affordable Care Act, President Trump’s management of COVID, including how he led the triumphant development of the new COVID vaccine, and the underappreciated success of President Biden’s COVID vaccine campaign. Speakers will trace the origins of the second Trump administration’s attacks on the scientific and public health establishment, and highlight the essential role presidents must play in preparing for the next pandemic.

Speakers include David Blumenthal MD, MPP, Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; Professor of Practice of Public Health and Health Policy, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health; Samuel O. Thier Professor of Medicine Emeritus Harvard Medical School and James Morone, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Brown University. 

Blumenthal and Morone have recently published the book "Whiplash: From the Battle for Obamacare to the War on Science." We will give away five copies to in person attendees. 

This seminar discussion will take place in Wexner 434AB for those with an HUID who wish to attend in person. Others may join us remotely via Zoom. Lunch will be served.

M-RCBG welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs. To request accommodations or ask questions about access provided, please email mrcbg@hks.harvard.edu.