Former Clinton, Obama and Biden adviser to headline Kennedy Summer School in New Ross

One of the most prominent Democratic political strategists in the United States is coming to New Ross this August for the 2026 Kennedy Summer School.

Maria Cardona, who has worked with some of the biggest names in American politics, will make her first visit to Ireland as part of this year’s programme.

Cardona has advised and worked alongside senior figures including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and has been closely involved in Democratic presidential campaigns over the past two decades.

She is also a well-known political commentator with CNN and CNN Español, regularly providing analysis on US politics and the issues shaping American society.

Her appearance in New Ross will focus on the future of the Democratic Party, the state of American democracy and the growing political divisions in the United States.

Cardona will appear at St Michael’s Theatre on Saturday, August 29th, where she will take part in a one-to-one conversation with Dr Stacey L. Connaughton, Professor of Leadership Communication at Purdue University.

The discussion, titled “Who Are We? Reflections on the Democratic Party and America Today”, will look behind the headlines at the people, politics and strategies influencing the Democratic Party.

Cardona is expected to draw on her experience of working on presidential campaigns, including her role as a senior adviser and spokesperson for Hillary Clinton and her work as a key campaign surrogate for Barack Obama during the 2008 and 2012 elections.

She also provided informal advice to Joe Biden’s campaign during the 2020 presidential election.

Alongside her political career, Cardona has been a strong advocate on issues including immigration reform, voting rights, healthcare, equal pay and greater economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The Kennedy Summer School says her conversation with Dr Connaughton will offer audiences an opportunity to hear directly from someone with extensive experience inside US politics and presidential campaigns.

The event is part of the wider Kennedy Summer School, which runs from August 26th to 29th and brings together politicians, journalists, academics, diplomats and cultural figures in New Ross and at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum.

This year’s programme will examine a wide range of issues, including American politics, the future of the transatlantic relationship, online safety and the political legacy of the Kennedy era.

Maria Cardona will be in conversation with Dr Stacey L. Connaughton at St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross from 2pm to 3pm on Saturday, August 29th.

Tickets and further information are available from the Kennedy Summer School website.