ABOUT THE EVENT
What happens when a civil servant’s loyalty to the Constitution puts him at odds with arguably the most powerful person in the world?
The Common Good is honored to welcome back Lt. Col (ret.) Alexander Vindman. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of awarding Vindman with the American Spirit Award for Distinguished Public Service; and we can’t think of anyone more deserving.
After years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman rose to become the National Security Council Director for European Affairs and former deputy assistant to the president. In November 2019, Vindman, found himself at the center of a firestorm for his decision to report the infamous phone call that led to the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump. His strength of character was evidenced as he testified in the public impeachment hearings as he declared during the trial, “Here, right matters.”
His new memoir, Here, Right Matters, is a stirring account of Vindman's childhood as an immigrant growing up in New York City, his career in service of his new home on the battlefield and at the White House, and the decisions leading up to, and fallout surrounding, his exposure of President Trump's abuse of power.
As an immigrant, raised by a father who fled the Soviet Union in pursuit of a better life for his children, Vindman learned about respect for truth throughout his education and military service. His decision to speak up about the July 25th call was never a choice: it was Vindman’s duty, as a naturalized citizen and member of the armed forces. In the wake of his testimony, he would endure furious partisan attacks on his record and his loyalty. But far louder was the extraordinary chorus of support from citizens who were collectively intent on reaffirming an abiding American commitment to integrity.
Join The Common Good and a true American hero for a discussion of integrity, patriotism, that infamous call, and truth above all else. Moderated by Chess Grandmaster, Garry Kasparov.
Wednesday, September 22nd
5:00pm EST-6pm EST
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United States Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Alexander Vindman is a highly decorated service member and former deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian Affairs for the United States National Security Council (NSC).
Vindman was brought to national attention after his actions when he testified before the United States Congress regarding the Trump–Ukraine scandal. His testimony provided evidence that resulted in a charge of abuse of power in the impeachment of 45th President Donald Trump.
Mr. Vindman received the American Spirit Award for Distinguished Public Service at our 2021 American Spirit Awards.
Garry Kasparov, one of the world’s greatest chess champions in history, fled Russia in 2013 after Putin’s crackdown on reform efforts led by Kasparov and others. Kasparov currently serves as chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, and has authored numerous works on the Putin regime and artificial intelligence.
Garry Kasparov joined The Common Good to discuss Russia and the dangers Vladimir Putin and his regime pose to the world in Defending Democracy: John Avlon, Philip Bobbitt, Ian Kahn, Garry Kasparov, and Bret Stephens. Kasparov also spoke at The Common Good Forum & American Spirit Awards 2018.
