Declaring "our world is in severe peril today," Dr. Allan Lichtman, an AU history professor and a candidate for the Democratic party's nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, spoke to the AU community Wednesday night as part of the Kennedy Political Union's "Finest Faculty" series.
Lichtman addressed topics as his appearance on the 1980's game show Tic-Tac-Dough, his years as a political commentator on television and his current campaign to be the first educator in the U.S. Senate since Paul Wellstone.
He also outlined his campaign platform of strong education, energy independence and government transparency.
"It is better to light a single candle than to forever curse the darkness of corruption," Lichtman said.
His chief goal as Senator would be "to speak for the 100 million children and young adults" who currently do not have a strong voice in national politics.
"I have education in my bones and in my blood," Lichtman said. "I won't just say the right things or vote the right way; it will be my top priority."
Barnaby Yeh, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, said he left the event feeling inspired by Lichtman's repeated calls for students to get involved.
"[Lichtman demonstrated] a lot of passion for politics, especially for a professor," Yeh said. "I'd love to see him bring it to the state or national level."
Lichtman also spoke about the resignation of former American University President Benjamin Ladner and the school's future.
"We'll pull through it, and in a few years we'll be a much better university than we are now," he said.
