He’s a familiar and prominent face in this town, voice on the radio, and name in national and international media outlets. Dr. Michael Bitzer is a never-to-be-missed political analyst who will be the English-Speaking Union’s speaker for its final dinner program of the season on April 18… just as we all no doubt feel a good bit of angst during this fraught political season.

He’ll provide the group with thoughtful insights into what the data show about our current presidential and statewide races, and speak to the growing concerns over the role of mis- and disinformation, “dark money,” and artificial intelligence amid the apparent drive to win at all costs. He will also address the critical issue of polarization in American politics: how do we measure it, where does it come from, and how might we address it?

Bitzer has been a Catawba College professor for more than two decades, currently teaches both politics and history as chair of the politics department, has authored a book on North Carolina redistricting as well as chapters for college-level texts, and developed research on how North Carolina politics are actually a microcosm of American politics in general. He is married to attorney Andrea Anders and has one son, Drew.

The event will take place at the Country Club of Salisbury with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the program at 8 p.m. Cost is $50 per person with first-timers permitted to attend without joining the organization. Reservation cut-off is April 15. For more information, contact ESU president Gerry Wood at gerry@oldyorkllc.com or 704-213-6008.