Beto O’Rourke in Conversation
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Beto O’Rourke in Conversation

How the Fight for Voting Rights Makes Every Else Possible

About the Event:

Democrat Beto O’Rourke rose to national prominence with competitive campaigning in Republican Texas. Now, the former El Paso Congressman is turning his energy toward voting rights, an essential part of a productive democracy. In his new book, We’ve Got to Try: How the Fight for Voting Rights Makes Everything Else Possible, O’Rourke connects voting rights and democracy to the major issues of our time, sharing what he saw, heard, and learned while campaigning throughout the 254 counties of his home state during his Senatorial and gubernatorial runs. Join O’Rourke as he sits down with Brandis Friedman, co-anchor of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, for a conversation on just how essential it is that the sacred right to vote is protected and that we each do our part to save our democracy for generations to come.

This program is presented in partnership with The Institute of Politics at The University of Chicago.

A book signing will follow this program.


  • Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, a Chicago not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. Pre-order your copy of We’ve Got to Try: How the Fight for Voting Rights Makes Everything Else Possible through the Chicago Humanities Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling. Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you will show to the bookseller on-site to pick up your book(s).
  • Please visit our FAQ for more information about ticketing, books, accessibility options, and other event logistics.

Beto O’Rourke

Beto O’Rourke

Beto O’Rourke is a fourth-generation Texan, born and raised in El Paso where he has served as a small business owner,...

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Brandis Friedman

Brandis Friedman

Brandis Friedman is the anchor of Chicago Tonight, and the host of Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, both on Chicago’s P...

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Event tile image description: The event image at the top left of the event page is a photograph of Beto O'Rourke (left) and his book, We’ve Got to Try: How the Fight for Voting Rights Makes Everything Else Possible (right) on a green background. Image credit: Beto O'Rourke.]