The Thurber Dialogues on Democracy

Compromise is a dirty word on Capitol Hill. Routine legislative gridlock is crippling the country’s ability to make policy, which means many of our biggest problems go unaddressed. Yet even in this polarized era, there are still some members of Congress who are willing to cross the aisle instead of just crossing their arms. What drives them to do so? And how can we encourage more politicians to follow their lead?

In Dealmakers (2025; Oxford University Press), SPA’s David C. Barker offers an answer. (Hint: The robots may save us). On March 18 at 6 pm, join us as he makes the case to CCPS Director and longtime congressional dealmaker Tom Kahn, who brings ideas of his own.”

In addition to being a Professor of Government at AU, Professor Barker is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and the former Director of Social and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation. He is the author of five books and many scientific journal articles on the subject of American politics.

Know Before You Go:

Driving:

The American University main campus only has one address: 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. American University’s main campus is positioned at Ward Circle where Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues in northwest Washington, DC intersect.

Parking:

American University offers flexible parking options for individuals who do not hold a parking permit. Pay-As-You-Go parking is available in hourly or daily increments ($2/hour, or $16/day). Parking is available in the Katzen Arts Center garage, the School of International Service garage, and the east campus parking lot.

The Katzen Arts Center is located on Massachusetts Avenue NW across from our main campus. When you arrive at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW and Glover Gate (main entrance to the AU campus), turn into the Katzen parking facility, and proceed to level P2.
The second garage is underneath the School of International Service (SIS). This facility is located at the intersection of Nebraska and New Mexico Avenues NW. There is a traffic light at this intersection. (Note, you cannot turn left off of Nebraska Ave. into the SIS parking garage).
The third area is a surface lot located near Constitution Hall and accessible from Nebraska Avenue NW. This parking area is located on American University’s East Campus. (Note, the only legal way to enter the lot is a right turn from Nebraska Ave into the entrance next to AU’s Constitution Hall).

Public Transit:

American University is also serviced by the DC Metro. The Tenleytown-AU stop is on the red line. You can take the free AU shuttle from the corner of Albemarle and 41st Streets NW. The Blue Route Shuttle will stop in front of the Kogod School of Business, which is the shuttle stop closest to the Mary Graydon Student Center.

The D90 and C81 bus routes also have stops near the School of Public Affairs on Nebraska Ave NW, which is a short walk to the Mary Graydon Student Center.