Why Gridlock Rules Washington and How We Can Solve the Crisis Wed., May 23, 2018 | 12:15 PM — 1:15 PM Harris Public Policy Lecture Hall 1155 E. 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States Sponsored By: The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy's Project on Political Reform and The Institute of Politics In today’s hyper-partisan world of politics, is it possible for Democrats and Republicans in Congress and around the country to find enough common ground to move our nation forward on crucial challenges? Former Congressman David Jolly (R-FL) and former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-FL) will discuss this question with David Axelrod, Director of the Institute of Politics, and take your questions. In Congress, Democrat Murphy represented a Republican-leaning district in South Florida, while Republican Jolly represented a Democratic-leaning district on Florida’s Gulf Coast. They’ll talk about the gridlock in Washington and how the two of them found ways to work together on seemingly intractable issues such as debt reduction, climate change, community policing and public safety, federal firearm policies, and campaign finance reform. Please RSVP. Lunch will be provided. Featured Panelists David Jolly Former Congressman (R-FL) Patrick Murphy Former Congressman (D-FL) Moderator David Axelrod Director The Institute of Politics, University of Chicago Recent News More news Student Profile: Nino Rodriguez, PhD, PAC’25, PWC’25, MPP Class of 2027 Wed., February 04, 2026 $20 Million Gift from Thomas Francis Dunn, AB’81, MBA’86 and Susan Knapp Dunn, AB’82, Launches a New Lab at the Harris School to Advance Emerging Field of Algorithmic Public Policy Wed., February 04, 2026 When Aid Arrives Matters: Early Cash Transfers Improve Outcomes After Floods Mon., February 02, 2026