A low Trump approval rating but huge war chest as midterms near
Although low inflation and unemployment are both bright spots in the economy, voters aren’t feeling it. That could hurt Republicans in the midterms.
- NBC “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel will speak at Wofford College.
- The discussion will cover the current political climate, the 2026 midterm elections, and Emanuel’s potential 2028 presidential run.
- Melvin will moderate the discussion from a non-partisan perspective, while Emanuel will offer his views as a Democratic strategist.
NBC “Today” co-anchor and 2001 Wofford College alum Craig Melvin is coming back to Wofford for a speaker series titled ” A Candid Conversation.”
Melvin will be joined by former Chicago mayor and political strategist Rahm Emanuel for the event, which will feature a moderated discussion that presents perspectives from both sides of the political aisle. As Melvin sits down with potential 2028 presidential candidate Emanuel, they will discuss the current political climate and Emanuel’s potential run.
Here’s what you need to know about the event.
When are Rahm Emanuel and Craig Melvin coming to Wofford?
Emanuel and Melvin are scheduled to appear at Wofford College on April 1, and will hold a conversation in Leonard Auditorium at 5 p.m.
Do I need tickets for Wofford’s Candid Conversation?
No tickets are required for Wofford’s “Candid Conversation” event. It is open to the public, and attendees can arrive at the venue without RSVP.
Seating may be limited, so early arrival is encouraged to ensure a spot at this event.
Questions about accessible seating and entrance to the building, contact Amanda Gilman, special assistant to the president and campus events management coordinator, at [email protected].
Who is Craig Melvin?
Melvin is currently the co-anchor and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” show. He is an experienced journalist who has served in various roles such as anchor, reporter and correspondent for WIS-TV in Columbia, WRC in Washington, D.C., NBC News in New York City, MSNBC Live and Dateline.
He has covered major events like midterm elections, presidential elections, and inaugurations, and is known for his commitment to factual and unbiased reporting.
His past reporting has included critical interviews, such as asking Donald Trump in 2017 to denounce antisemitic attacks and a 2024 interview with Nikki Haley, where she described Trump as “unhinged” and “diminished”.
Melvin will bring a non-partisan perspective to the discussion at Wofford College.
Who is Rahm Emanuel?
Emanuel, a seasoned Democratic politician, is known for his centrist policies that prioritize economic growth and working-class issues over cultural debates.
As of March 2026, Emanuel is actively exploring a 2028 presidential run and serving as a visiting professor at Drew University, where he participates in forums and classroom visits. He recently concluded his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Japan in January 2025.
He remains a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s foreign policy regarding Iran and the Indo-Pacific alliance. Emanuel argues that Trump seeks to “rule” rather than govern, relying heavily on executive orders over legislation.
In a January Stanford University briefing, Emanuel framed the upcoming midterms as a referendum on Trump.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]
