The Moral Foundations of Political Thought

This engaging event brings together philosopher Susan Neiman, author of Left Is Not Woke, and conservative writer Peter Wehner, former White House speechwriter and contributing writer for The Atlantic and The New York Times. Together, they explore the moral and philosophical roots of left and right political traditions, examining each at its best, and confronting where both have faltered.

Moderated by North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Jerod Tufte, the conversation will highlight how our ideals, ethics, human nature, justice, freedom, and institutional trust shape political thought. Neiman and Wehner each offer an honest critique of their own side while investigating the shared moral ground that still exists beneath the noise of modern politics.

About the Speakers:

Susan Neiman

An American philosopher and author of Left Is Not Woke, Neiman has written extensively on the Enlightenment, moral philosophy, and politics. Born in Atlanta during the Civil Rights Movement, educated at Harvard under John Rawls and Stanley Cavell, and now director of the Einstein Forum in Potsdam, she is known for making philosophy urgent, accessible, and alive. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Die Zeit, and more.

Peter Wehner

A contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and The Atlantic, Wehner writes widely on politics, faith, culture, and democratic life. He served in three presidential administrations, including as deputy director of presidential speechwriting for President George W. Bush, and later as director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. He is the author of several books, including The Death of Politics, praised for its moral clarity and civic hope.

Justice Jerod Tufte Jerod was born in Minot and raised in West Fargo. He earned a computer engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University and a law degree from Arizona State University, where he graduated first in his class. His career includes service as a computer engineer, attorney, county state's attorney, Judge Advocate in the North Dakota Army National Guard, legal counsel to the governor, district judge, and now justice on the North Dakota Supreme Court. He and his wife, Mylynn, have three children.

Why This Conversation Matters

At a time when political identity often replaces political thought, Neiman and Wehner model something different: principled disagreement rooted in moral reasoning.Their dialogue is an invitation to step back from the noise and examine the deeper ideas—about virtue, justice, human nature, and responsibility—that shaped American political traditions long before today’s polarization.

Join us for a conversation that aims not to win points, but to illuminate the questions that matter.

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