Daschle Dialogues confirms bestselling author, ‘America’s Government Teacher’ for fall

Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon

Daschle Dialogues will return to campus next fall when bestselling author and educator Sharon McMahon comes to South ֱ State University. 

A No. 1 New York Times-bestselling author, former high school government and law teacher and founder of “The Preamble” newsletter, McMahon aims to redefine how we communicate by turning confusion into clarity, inspiring change and teaching others how to take action by doing the next needed thing. 

McMahon’s presentation is planned for the evening of Oct. 27 at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. There will be no cost for the event; it is underwritten by private gifts to the Sen. Thomas A. Daschle Congressional Research Study through the SDSU Foundation. Details on how to get free tickets will be forthcoming. 

McMahon became known as “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election for her viral efforts to combat political misinformation. Her knack for breaking down complex topics with clarity, humor and steadfast commitment to facts has attracted a community of over 1.5 million followers — affectionately called the “Governerds.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Sharon McMahon to South ֱ State University as part of the Daschle Dialogues series. Her ability to distill complex political and historical topics into accessible, engaging conversations aligns perfectly with our mission to foster informed and engaged citizens,” said Christine Garst-Santos, director of the School of American and Global Studies at SDSU. “Sharon’s dedication to clarity, truth and civic education makes her an ideal guest to inspire students and community members alike.” 

The Mike Huether Public Service Academy, which exists within the School of American and Global Studies, will be involved in McMahon’s visit and presentation. 

Daschle Dialogues is the public series of the Sen. Thomas A. Daschle Congressional Research Study. Daschle, a 1969 SDSU graduate, selected SDSU to preserve his official papers and items from his 26-year career in Congress. He was the Senate Democratic leader from 1995 to 2005, including time as both majority and minority leader. Daschle’s papers have been the basis for research by SDSU faculty, scholars and students. 

Daschle Dialogues, which got its start in 2014, is a series of lectures and talks that feature nationally relevant figures on campus to address thought-provoking topics. Past speakers have included former majority leader of the U.S. Senate Trent Lott; former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; former NBC broadcaster and author Tom Brokaw; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin; and former ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl. 

McMahon’s newsletter, “The Preamble,” is one of the most popular publications on Substack, providing historical context and nonpartisan insights to help readers navigate today’s political landscape. Her debut book, “The Small and the Mighty,” highlights the unsung heroes who shaped America and has been celebrated as one of 2024’s top reads by Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Goodreads. She also hosts the chart-topping podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting.” 

Beyond education, McMahon leads philanthropic initiatives that have raised over $11 million to address critical needs, from medical debt relief to disaster recovery. She inspires audiences with a message of hope: history shows us that even small actions can create powerful change. 

Learn more at , or follow her @SharonSaySo. 

For more information about Daschle Dialogues, contact Brittany Peterson at the SDSU Foundation.

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