Robert Costa, the CBS News chief election correspondent, continued his visit at Fresno State by speaking at the Satellite Student Union on Dec. 2 following a private luncheon and press briefing.
Costa went on stage to talk with Blake Zante, the executive director of The Maddy Institute, at the Satellite Student Union at 5:30 p.m. They discussed the current political state of the United States as well as what the future may hold.
One main talking point was the importance of the Central Valley and California on the national scale.
“California, but especially the valley, is really now at a crossroads of American politics,” Costa said. “You’re seeing all the issues that have been dominant here for years are now rising up to the national conversation.”
He discussed issues of tariffs affecting farming and trade along with issues around water and how places like Pennsylvania, Michigan and other states are looking at the Central Valley to see how the situations have been handled.
The conversation also included how President-elect Donald Trump has transformed the Republican Party to center around him and his ideologies. He also brought up how he used modern media formats like podcasts to further extend his reach.
Costa then spoke about the Democratic Party and what the future may hold for it. Whether it’s Governor Gavin Newsome running for president in 2028 or Vice President Kamala Harris again, he highlighted the fact that California has the potential to be a major player in the coming years but to not count out the Republican population in the state.
“That’s not to say California is going to lurch right, but this expectation that California is a blue state, a deep blue state forever is not necessarily a guarantee,” Costa said.
Costa talked about his appreciation for organizations like The Maddy Institute and Fresno State students who strive to be engaged in the news and read the latest stories. He also added the importance of local journalism, especially non-profit organizations.
Following the discussion, Costa opened up for questions and then a quick meet and greet.
Christopher Washington, a Law Pathway student at Fresno City College, was a huge fan of Costa and appreciated his bipartisan discussion.
“Bipartisanship is extremely important in bridging the gap within our democracy and allowing people to have a seat at the table,” Washington said.
The event finished around 7:30 p.m. and Costa left Fresno State with gifts from the school. This included student-made honey, wine and olive oil which was given to him by President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
Costa thanked The Maddy Institute for their goal of making the next generation focused on civic participation and organization.
