ABC broadcaster talks DC politics

Cokie Roberts, a political commentator for ABC News, has been called one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

She brought that wisdom to Chapel Hill Monday to give her view of Washington, D.C. — and its divided political structure — as part of the Weatherspoon Lecture Series hosted by the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Tom Cawley, director of special events for the business school, said he believes the lecture is relevant considering the presidential inauguration earlier this month.

“There’s a lot of information floating around in D.C., and I feel like someone with an insider’s view has their finger on the pulse of what’s happening politically,” he said.

Roberts, whose parents were both members of Congress, began by talking about growing up behind the scenes in politics and practicing journalism throughout many presidencies.

“The most frequently asked question I get is, ‘Is this the worst it has ever been in Washington between the parties?’” she said. “The answer is no, they are not shooting at each other.”

In her more than 40 years of broadcasting, Roberts has earned numerous awards — including three Emmys — and has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.

The event was funded by an endowment from Van and Kay Weatherspoon and has been a tradition for many years at the business school.

The lecture focused on the current issues facing D.C., including the sharp division of political parties.

Roberts said she believes gerrymandering keeps voters from listening to party’s opinions different from their own.

Roberts also said many politicians avoid living in D.C. in order to stay connected with their constituents.

“People now think you go to Washington and you become Washington. You are no longer of the people,” she said.

The lecture also included Roberts’ commentary on what the Republican party should have done during the 2012 campaign.

“I think the biggest danger is among women, everyone always thinks that women vote on only women’s issues, and that’s not true,” she said.

Roberts advised audience members to be active in politics because she believes politicians listen to voters.

“It’s important to keep in mind, as you watch what’s going on, to listen to the rhetoric and see what kinds of legislation emerge to deal with these issues,” she said.

An open discussion by audience members followed the event.

UNC alumna Frances McVay said the event was engaging and informative.

“It’s good to hear a woman who is so in-the-know,” she said. “There were a lot of men here who wanted to hear what she had to say.”

Contact the desk editor at university@dailytarheel.com.