By Shaina Street ’25 and contributors within the UMC Department
Photography by Terry Manning
USC Upstate welcomed The New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd on April 17 at the 10th annual Dr. John B. Edmunds, Jr. Distinguished Lecture series.
Dowd, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, reflected on her unique relationships with U.S. presidents, offering a candid and humorous account of her career in political journalism. Looking back on more than four decades of reporting, Dowd noted how much journalism has changed in that time.
She described her political lens as more Shakespearean than ideological. “My column is the first political column in the Times that doesn’t automatically come from the right or the left,” she said. “I base it more on watching how leaders of both parties use or misuse power.”
Dowd shared colorful anecdotes from her years covering the White House, highlighting moments of conflict and rapport with Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Her relationship with Bush Sr. was particularly warm, marked by handwritten notes and playful exchanges.
In contrast, Dowd had a frostier dynamic with Obama, who once told her after an interview, “You are really irritating.” Despite the tension, she emphasized the value of challenging those in power. “Presidents don’t like being put on the couch,” she said, alluding to her psychological approach to political critique.
Turning to contemporary issues, Dowd expressed concern about the state of journalism and the shrinking number of platforms where young reporters can learn and grow. She also touched on the increasing political influence of tech figures like Elon Musk, noting both the opportunities and dangers of digital disruption.
Dowd closed with reflections on the vital role the press plays in a functioning democracy. “When a president tries to create a different reality, that’s when you really need the press,” she said. “We have to be working from the same set of facts — or how are we a country?”
A Q&A followed the lecture, during which Dowd answered questions on the future of journalism, the role of artificial intelligence in media, and the challenges of navigating political commentary in a divided nation.
Dowd is the author of three best-selling books and released her fourth, “Notorious,” in March. It portrays stars from Hollywood, culture, fashion, and tech. You can purchase a copy of her book wherever books are sold.
More photos from the lecture and book signing can be found on our Flickr account.