NEW ZEALAND REQUEST FOR SSI U.S. SPEAKER ON U.S.

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000125 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/T/ES (RADAMS); IIP/SDIS - RTRIPP, IIP/S - PBENDA; IIP/T/SV; EAP/PD - GMCLOUGHLIN; EAP/ANP EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES FOR PAO E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAONZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND REQUEST FOR SSI U.S. SPEAKER ON U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - OCTOBER 2008 ¶1. MSP Theme: MSP Goal 08-01 Mutual Understanding. Description/Purpose: There are close ties between the countries in this region; at the same time there is also a high level of interest in U.S. politics, which is reflected daily in the New Zealand media. New Zealand requests support for a second SSI speaker on the 2008 presidential elections. We seek someone who can discuss the electoral process, the electoral landscape, the key candidates and their policies, and the factors that will decide the result. It is also expected that the speaker will be able to discuss the outcome the elections may have for USG policies, especially on climate change, the rise of China, the Middle East situation, trade and investment issues, and U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. ¶2. This visit would also build on the serious interest there is in New Zealand presently on the U.S. elections and the recent visit of Professor Roger Davidson. ¶3. Time-frame and number of days: We propose a minimum of 10 program days in the region, plus travel that could include visits to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and PNG or Asian cities in the region (Manila, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur) from the first week of October onwards. ¶4. Specialist required: Please note: Incoming PAO Mark Wenig (WenigML@state.gov) has been in touch with Terry Michael, who has confirmed his availability for this program should funds be available. Post requests this Speaker using FY09 funds. Note also that Wenig has experience with Mr. Michael, both at his present post (Leipzig, where he has been both a speaker and a DVC participant, both times with groups of journalists) and at his previous post (Bucharest, where he was a traveling speaker). Wenig gives Michael the highest recommendation for his expert analyses and his impartiality. ¶5. Audience: Parliamentarians, government officials, private sector, NGOs, students, academics, news media, members of the NZ Institute of International Affairs, and the general public. ¶6. Terry Michael's contact details: Director, Washington Center for Politics & Journalism P.O. Box 15239 Washington, DC 20003 Telephone Office: (202)296-8455 Cell: (202)210-8455 Email: terrymichael@wcpj.org See also: His "Libertarian Democrat" blog, www.terrymichael.net ¶7. Wellington Contact: Post Program Officer is Christine Vivian, Email: cvivian@actrix.gen.nz and vivianc@state.gov Tel: (644)462-6112, Fax: (644)499-0490. ¶8. Funding: SSI funds, FY 2008 if available - otherwise FY09. ¶9. Please advise program possibilities soonest. Thanks and regards. McCORMICK