The panelists began their election analysis with a discussion of the structural features of American democracy and then addressed the issues, strategies, and stakes central to November’s race.

Cain began his remarks by highlighting a longstanding and escalating concern about the American democratic structure: tension between electability and governance. Rather, that the negative partisanship necessary during the election process has proven incompatible with the bipartisan negotiations required to govern. This, coupled with campaign finance — which, among other things, has complicated the incentive and power structures of political parties — has fueled inefficiency and political frustration.

Jefferson argued that a persistent feature of American democracy is the influence of race on political outcomes. While various identities may shape Americans' political attitudes and behaviors, race, he contended, is unparalleled in its impact. As one example, Black Americans have long been "steadfast Democrats," while no Democratic Party nominee has received a majority of the white vote since 1964.

Referring to comparative politics scholarship, Jefferson noted that, in some ways, the Republican Party functions as an "ethnic party." He pointed out that Trump’s success in generating and consolidating his base is directly tied to white identity politics. Trump has relied on grievance politics to gain power, speaking to white, middle-class American voters who feel left behind and resentful of what they believe is a changing racial order. Positioning himself as their spokesman and defender, Trump attempts to reassure these voters that, if he returns to power, he will defend their place in America's racial hierarchy.

While Cain and Jefferson touched on American democracy’s organizing features, Canes-Wrone brought the conversation back to the current election cycle, highlighting prediction models and key issues. The polls, Canes-Wrone believes, are accurate, yet with such slim confidence intervals, the election is still too close to call.

Contrary to popular portrayal in the media, historical evidence suggests that bounces from the convention and vice presidential picks are rarely pivotal, if impactful at all. However, qualifies Canes-Wrone, this cycle is unprecedented, leaving an opportunity for a break in the trend.

Moving to discuss the issues, Canes-Wrone underscores that the candidates are following traditional political strategy — placing emphasis on the issues that favor them and de-emphasis on those that don’t. The Harris campaign has focused its efforts on abortion rights and threats to democracy, whereas Trump remains fixated on immigration and the economy. Unfortunately for Harris, post-COVID inflation and immigration remain the top issues, and her position is further complicated by the inability to heavily criticize her own administration.

To conclude their remarks, the panelists turned to the issue of gender: is the United States really ready to have a woman in the presidency? Canes-Wrone remarked that while survey data indicates that gender bias on the issue has diminished, it is not yet zero. In other political offices, women now win at equal rates to men, but with one caveat — far more expertise is required. There also appears to be far more sexism attached to executive offices, a reality Trump is likely to exploit. Perhaps luckily for Harris, there is one traditional argument the Republican nominee may have difficulty leveraging against her: it's not so easy to argue that a former prosecutor isn't tough on crime.

These moments are now treasured because they were instrumental in forming our close-knit cohort, cult . . . I mean, family . . . that not only defined our Stanford experience but also created a second home for us. This community has served an instrumental part of navigating this experience and provided a space of shared learning and friendship. We’ve shared unforgettable memories every quarter since.

We have been each other’s cheerleaders—figuratively, as we fill out the seats of presentations, performances, and promotion ceremonies, and literally, as we held up hand-painted signs for the MIP team that would become the 2023 Stanford Intramural Football Champions. Even as we spread out across the world, completing the foundational field research of our intensive, 6-month capstone projects, we were each other’s first responders.

Felipe, we’re glad you made it back from Sierra Leone—your life there would’ve been fulfilling but we and probably your wife would have missed you. Ibilola and Pamella, I would also ground a plane if you told me to.

But also, at every step of the way, the staff and faculty of MIP have been there to support us. We’d like to give a special thanks to Meghan, Jonathan, Patrick, Cheng, Chonira, Frank, Maeve, and Laleh for all of the work they do and the warmth they bring to the program. Professor McFaul, thank you for being a persistent champion of MIP, opening doors and courtyards on our behalf, and regularly welcoming us into your home.

As we move on from this part of our lives and many of us prepare to leave this university, it's impossible to ignore the invaluable skills, knowledge, and insights we've gained throughout our time here. Our learning has extended far beyond textbooks or the classroom. The interdisciplinary scholarship of this program and university has provided us experiences and insights gained through real-world policy applications, expert discussions, and collaborations with our professors and mentors.

While we enjoyed attending a world-class institution with renowned academics, many of the most important lessons we will take away from Stanford were from our peers and fellow graduates. Our cohort demonstrated a level of initiative that might make you ask: “When did you have time to sleep?”

You won’t be surprised to hear that Stanford comes with a rigorous course load, but it certainly makes our extracurricular commitment of that much more impressive. While rising to every deadline, our classmates spent their non-existent free time building community—Raul launching the Cyber Policy Dialogue for the Americas initiative, Dulgoon coaching caregivers at the Center on Early Childhood, Sebastian leading a weekly radio show on KZSU.

Our classmates have introduced their country’s leaders to Stanford, like Aya’s diplomatic engagement with Indonesian officials on campus, and represented the school abroad, including Tabatha in affiliated research at Peking University.

Even the youngest among us taught us more than we could have ever expected. Our two co-terms Hamzah and Dwight were generous in sharing their institutional knowledge and their network as dedicated researchers. We’re sure we’ll all be working for you one day.

For the parents in the cohort—Ashwini, Javier, Sarah, and Rosie L., we admire you and your partners for achieving this accomplishment today while raising your children, as some of us were barely able to take care of ourselves.

Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in our lives, one that marks the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As we reflect on our journey, it's essential to acknowledge the transformative power of this university. Stanford pushed us to explore complex problems, think critically, and innovate creatively. This program has prepared us to be leaders and change-makers, our own MIP co-president Sara Shah is going on to be… we’re not really sure but we think president? She keeps telling us to vote in November.

We have the tools to drive progress, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond. And the Class of 2024 is wasting no time in applying what we’ve learned. By this time tomorrow, many of us on stage will be on our way to a new destination, starting exciting roles where we will continue to shine. To our classmates continuing their journey of military service, Fran, Justin, Chase: congratulations on a lifetime of boarding commercial flights early and free checked luggage. It really pays to be a hero.
 

To those of us taking leaps into emerging spaces—Elliot, Nickson, Poramin, and others—you have a chance to define what comes next in a landscape of rapidly evolving technological capabilities. Maybe you could pool together some cash and buy TikTok?

Congratulations also to those of you extending your time here for additional degrees—Rosie Ith, Thay, and Kelsey to name just a few. We hope continuing your advanced interdisciplinary learning at one of the world’s leading universities is worth what we see as a personal betrayal to our cohort. You’re traitors now.

In earnest though, it's an honor to be a part of such an incredible group of people and congratulate you today, your dedication, resilience, and camaraderie have been truly inspiring. We love and admire you all. The bonds we've formed and the support we've given each other have been invaluable and made this journey what is was: transformative, shaping us into individuals ready to make a positive impact.

As we step into a field where there is such a distinct and credible capacity for harm, let us pioneer solutions that uplift and empower our global communities, promote peace and stability, and ensure that the policies we champion reflect compassion, justice, and integrity. Let us use the knowledge and skills we gained here to address the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to cyber risks, with innovative and ethical approaches that better humanity. Let us pursue our passions with unwavering determination, embrace lifelong learning, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

Together, we have built a foundation for success, and now, it is time to use it to make a difference. For the first time, potentially ever, the two of us are at a loss for words. This experience, this cohort, and everyone who supports it, have meant the world to us. We can’t wait to see the future we create together, and we can’t wait to stay in the guest rooms of your really nice houses.