Public mistrust of government: Is cynicism inevitable?

1:30 - 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015
PSU Ballroom East

August 9, 2014, marked the 40^th anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s resignation and the beginning of an era of waning confidence in government. With the advent of social media and 24/7 news coverage, citizens have unprecedented access to news of government scandals, legislative gridlock, pork belly spending and the vilification of partisan politics. In a recent Gallup poll, 77 percent of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with elected officials. How might this trend be changed? What is the role of the media in the perception of our leaders? What responses and actions are appropriate to avoid cynicism and apathy? How may the public trust be restored? 

Presenters