{"id":380,"date":"2016-05-02T19:01:53","date_gmt":"2016-05-02T19:01:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.fau.edu\/lifelongexchange\/?p=380"},"modified":"2016-05-02T19:01:53","modified_gmt":"2016-05-02T19:01:53","slug":"the-professors-corner-dr-robert-p-watson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.fau.edu\/lifelongexchange\/2016\/05\/02\/the-professors-corner-dr-robert-p-watson\/","title":{"rendered":"The Professor\u2019s Corner: Dr. Robert P. Watson"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Sandi<\/a>By Sandi Page, Guest Blogger, LLS Student and Volunteer, LLS Jupiter Marketing Committee member<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Robert<\/a>

Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.<\/p><\/div>\n

Our spotlight this week is on Dr. Robert P. Watson<\/strong>, one of our most popular Professors here at FAU LLS, who is also Professor of American Studies at Lynn University, Senior Fellow at the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and the political analyst for WPTV 5 (NBC). He has published 36 books and hundreds of scholarly articles on topics in American politics and history, and has served on the boards of many scholarly journals, academic associations and presidential foundations. Professor Watson has won numerous awards, including the Distinguished Professor of the Year awards at both FAU and Lynn (twice) and FAU’s Faculty Service award (twice). His recent book, “America’s First Crisis: The War of 1812,” received a 2015 “IPPY” award for book of the year in U.S. history.
\n<\/em>
\nWhile researching to formulate questions for an interview I hoped to do with Dr. Watson (whose lectures I never miss), I happened across his impressive r\u00e9sum\u00e9, all 80 pages of it…and not one line was superfluous! Knowing that his hectic schedule would most likely preclude him from participating, I nevertheless, at 1:30 a.m., emailed Dr. Watson an interview request along with my proposed questions. By 8:00 a.m., I had already received his enthusiastic reply and answers to two of the questions with a promise that more would be forthcoming. \u00a0By 5:00 p.m., our interview was complete, despite the fact that Dr. Watson had also fit in 3 classes, a radio interview, a meeting and a television show that day!<\/p>\n

Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”<\/p>\n

Oh, did I mention that Dr. Watson also possesses a wicked sense of humor, which has his large LLS audiences laughing uncontrollably as he good-naturedly skewers the antics of political parties to the left and the right as well as the political and historical figures he lectures on?<\/p>\n

Laughing while you learn……a lot. What a wonderful education.<\/p>\n

Read on to appreciate even more the brilliant mind, generous spirit and fascinating life of<\/p>\n

Dr. Robert P. Watson<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Did you ever contemplate a completely different career path when you were first starting out?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 I never intended to become a professor.\u00a0 The plan was to be a Foreign Service officer for the State Department, a political aide, a researcher for a policy think tank, or an activist with a progressive cause.<\/p>\n

My problem was that I wanted to pursue all these \u2013 and several other careers.\u00a0 Then, when I was finishing my Ph.D., it dawned on me that if I became a professor, I could pursue all sorts of interests.<\/p>\n

I could write books, consult with politicians, be an analyst for television and news outlets, be an advocate for lots of issues, and, on top of all that, get paid to help preserve historic sites, travel and\u2026\u2026.get this, talk about history and politics with impressive audiences at LLS!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You never use notes during your LLS lectures on history and the American political system and you are never without a ready answer (usually accompanied by an amusing historical anecdote) to any of the wide-ranging questions posed by our LLS students during your Q&A sessions. To what do you attribute your ability to maintain such a phenomenal store of information in your head?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I have always thought it ironic that some professors make their students memorize details, dates and quotes for exams when they themselves do not have them memorized.\u00a0 One of the first lectures I ever gave was when I was in high school \u2013 I had won some athletic awards and was asked by some community leaders to speak at a function for the city where I lived.\u00a0 My thought was, \u201cWho would want to hear from a kid and what could I possibly say?\u201d\u00a0 So, I memorized several inspiring stories in detail\u2026and it worked. When I finished my Master\u2019s degree, I had the opportunity to lead a seminar at a local military base.\u00a0 I was concerned that no one in uniform wanted to hear from a civilian in his mid-twenties.\u00a0 So, I memorized countless details about the topic at hand \u2013 how the economy impacts the military\u2026and it worked.\u00a0 As a result, in 26 years of teaching and after thousands of media interviews and lectures, I have never used a note.<\/p>\n

I think if a speaker knows quotes, dates, and details about the people in the stories of history, it helps to bring those people and, therefore, the stories to life.<\/p>\n

I also think that if you have a genuine passion for what it is that you are doing, it makes it easy to memorize.\u00a0 I am passionate about history and politics.\u00a0 There is also the responsibility to know one\u2019s topic front and back, up and down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I attended your excellent series of lectures on the 2012 Presidential Election at LLS Jupiter. Why did you decide not to do a similar series for the 2016 Presidential election? Any regrets now that the race has gone in such surprising directions?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

It was a pleasure offering that series.\u00a0 However, I work seven days a week and have been doing so for many years.\u00a0 I simply had to find ways of cutting back on my commitments.\u00a0 It was hard to commit myself to four or eight weeks, so regrettably, I decided to cut back at LLS.\u00a0 It was not an easy decision as I have so many friends that are members.<\/p>\n

I have been lecturing on this bizarre campaign for other groups and have been offering media commentary for numerous outlets.\u00a0 It is certainly one for the history books, but not in the way I would have wanted.\u00a0 It has been enormously difficult to watch the media continually fail to ask legitimate questions and demand detailed answers, to watch too many candidates stir up fear and anger, and to observe people falling prey to all this nonsense.<\/p>\n

As a nation, we are taking the low road to the highest office.\u00a0 We must demand better of ourselves and our candidates.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Electoral college…..Thumbs up or Thumbs down? If the latter, what would you replace it with?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I have opposed the Electoral College my entire career \u2013 since I was in graduate school.\u00a0 It has failed to work properly five times in our history (1800, 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000), it is non-democratic, and few people understand how it works.\u00a0 We should replace it with a popular vote.<\/p>\n

At the same time, it is but one of many electoral reforms this country desperately needs\u2026including campaign finance reform, shorter campaigns, better designed ballots, new voting equipment, changes to the primary\/caucus system, rethinking how we select delegates, and so on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Those of us who religiously attend your LLS lectures already know the answer to this question, but for the others, what historical figure do you admire the most and why?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hmmm\u2026Let me think about that one\u2026.Harry Truman!\u00a0 He demonstrated moral courage so many times in making the tough decision, was a visionary with his work on Israel, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin airlift, desegregation, NATO, and so many other issues, and he would rather do what was right and lose than do what was wrong and win.<\/p>\n

Truman was an ordinary fellow who rose to extraordinary heights at one of the most critical moments in world history. Wow, what\u2019s not to admire?<\/p>\n

I have also always liked Abraham Lincoln, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and Eleanor Roosevelt.\u00a0 That would probably be my top five!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two of your accomplishments that you have shared with us during your lectures specifically stand out in my mind:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

– your efforts to educate Florida children about their civic responsibilities;<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

– your role in bringing the 2012 Third Presidential Debate to Lynn University.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Could you tell us a bit more about these two programs?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I have visited hundreds of schools and classrooms over the past 26 years offering free civic education and history day programs.\u00a0 It is something I have always done and intend to do until either I am unable to or until they don\u2019t want me back.<\/p>\n

If you approach the topics of civics and history in the right way with kids, they develop a passion for it or at least some interest in it.\u00a0 I try to put them in the shoes of the people from history (which develops a connection), try to make them laugh, we utilize technology and social media (which they enjoy and it is how they learn), and ask them what they would do if they were there.\u00a0 I also invite them to try and stump me \u2013 which they love \u2013 and I host mock elections.\u00a0 We have had many tens of thousands of kids vote in these fun elections.<\/p>\n

Hosting the Presidential debate at Lynn University was a wonderful experience for our students and the community.\u00a0 The President of Lynn as well as our faculty, staff and students worked their backsides off.<\/p>\n

After it was over, numerous reporters, political aides, and debate commissioners told us it was, by far, the best run debate ever.<\/p>\n

The key was that we did not simply host a debate.\u00a0 Rather, we used the debate as a vehicle to promote civic awareness!\u00a0 For instance, I hosted over 1,000 area students on campus, developed a comprehensive debate curriculum for schools around the country, held debate \u201cwatch parties\u201d for our students, organized a museum-quality debate history exhibit in our library, had debate-themed raffles, trivia contests, parties\u2026you name it, we did it!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You have written 36 books on American politics and history as well as three novels and <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

hundreds of scholarly articles. Which book was the most challenging to write?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

By far, the most difficult project was the current one \u2013 The Nazi Titanic<\/em>.\u00a0 It is the bizarre story of an unknown tragedy from WWII and the Holocaust.\u00a0 Not only was the research challenging, but it was also emotionally draining to write about such an important and tragic event.\u00a0 I felt a sense of responsibility to get the story right and get it out there because, with each passing year, we are losing Holocaust survivors and WWII Vets, and those who perished in this shocking event deserve to have their stories told.<\/p>\n

The idea that such a momentous event could remain largely unknown for 70 years is remarkable.\u00a0 Ultimately, the story constitutes the bloodiest hour of the Holocaust, history\u2019s worst instance of friendly fire, the world\u2019s most tragic maritime disaster, and the final major tragedy of WWII.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As a political analyst, you are frequently interviewed on radio and television as well as the print media. What transpired during your most surprising interview?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

There are two interviews that I will always remember.\u00a0 One was around midnight after the first Presidential debate in 2012.\u00a0 I had given a few dozen interviews that day and had not slept<\/p>\n

in some time\u2026and was exhausted.\u00a0 I had my earpiece in and was \u201cin the field\u201d doing an interview.\u00a0 I saw the anchor in the small screen next to the camera and could hear him through my earpiece saying that they were going live to me for analysis.\u00a0 Suddenly, my earpiece went dead!\u00a0 I could not hear a thing, so I watched the anchor\u2019s lips moving to try and figure out when he stopped talking.\u00a0 When he stopped, I figured it was my turn to answer \u2013 but I had no clue what he had asked me.\u00a0 So, I gave the most generic answer possible.<\/p>\n

After I finished saying essentially nothing, I saw his eyebrows go up and a look of discomfort on his face.\u00a0 His lips started moving again \u2013 but I couldn\u2019t hear anything.\u00a0 So, I said something else generic.\u00a0 Later, I learned that he had asked me two very specific questions, so I must have come across as a knuckle-head.\u00a0\u00a0 It was embarrassing.\u00a0 I should have simply said that we lost audio \u2013 but I was sleep deprived and not thinking clearly.<\/p>\n

I offered a lot of commentary the night Osama bin Laden was killed.\u00a0 I was contacted at home and told that something major was happening.\u00a0 Could I come to the TV studio right away and be prepared to stay all night?\u00a0 I agreed.\u00a0 My concern was that it was a tragedy or another terror attack, but we soon found out that President Obama was going to announce that bin Laden was dead.\u00a0 My job was to be the \u201cfiller\u201d\u2026that is, I had to talk about bin Laden, terrorism, and related topics until Obama spoke, and then fill afterward throughout the night in between segments with experts and government officials.\u00a0 I had to remember a hundred facts and dates about al-Qaeda, 9\/11, the War on Terror, bin Laden, and so on.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, I have never been shy and, as my family can tell you, I can talk for forever!\u00a0 It was a very cool experience to have hundreds of people call to say that they listened all night, that people quieted down in bars and restaurants to get the news, and so on.\u00a0\u00a0 I think we all remember where we were when the news of bin Laden\u2019s death came.\u00a0 People were emotional, celebratory, curious\u2026and it was neat to be able to be a part of those experiences for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You often speak about your beautiful wife and children with such affection during your lectures. \u00a0How do you create opportunities to spend quality time with them given your hectic schedule? How would they describe you?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, I don\u2019t fish, don\u2019t hunt, don\u2019t play golf, and don\u2019t go out drinking with the fellas!<\/p>\n

I have many hobbies \u2013 I swim, play basketball, play music, and so on \u2013 but my main \u201cfree time\u201d activity is family time.\u00a0 We are lucky in that we like to go out to dinner as a family, jog and swim together\u2026in short, we have similar interests and do them together.<\/p>\n

Also, I travel a lot and try to take my family along on many of the trips.\u00a0 If I must do research at the Truman Library, Smithsonian, or Mount Vernon, I take my family along.\u00a0 Or, if I am speaking at a battlefield, museum, or on a cruise, we all go along.<\/p>\n

I suppose they\u2019d describe me as funny, a workaholic, history nerd, and their number one cheerleader!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Game Time! 10 Quick Answers to 10 Quick Questions<\/u>!<\/strong><\/p>\n

– Your favorite Sport?<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 One of my passions in life is playing basketball.<\/p>\n

– Favorite Food?<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Indian and Thai curry.\u00a0 Yum!<\/p>\n

– Favorite Movie?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Indiana Jones<\/em> \u2013 He was a cool professor!<\/p>\n

– Favorite book?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Well, not counting my own (!), Stephen Jay Gould\u2019s The Mismeasure of Man <\/em>changed the way I approached science and academia.\u00a0 But my favorites are my son\u2019s book Tsunami <\/em>and my daughter\u2019s storybook for kids Fashion Rules<\/em>.<\/p>\n

– Pet Peeve?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Arrogance<\/p>\n

– Favorite Music?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I love all kinds of music.<\/p>\n

– Favorite Fun Activity? <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Going to the pool with my family<\/p>\n

– Favorite Travel Destination?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Anywhere in Europe\u2026or a National Park<\/p>\n

– Dog or Cat Person?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dog<\/p>\n

– Early Bird or Night Owl?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Night Owl<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you have a new book in the works<\/u>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 I am half-way finished with a book on the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Which group is a tougher crowd to lecture to…your undergraduate students at Lynn University or your FAU LLS students<\/u>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

They are different challenges \u2013 the challenge for undergrads is getting them interested in the topic.\u00a0 The challenge for LLS members is that they know everything\u2026so I am always trying to think of new insights and info for them!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You are a former candidate for the United States House of Representatives. \u00a0Is there another political run for office in your future?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Goodness, no.\u00a0 I plead temporary insanity.\u00a0 I love what I do for a living.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are your plans for the rest of 2016 and 2017? Have you chosen the subject of your future LLS lectures? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

I am trying to finally carve out time for a few book tours.\u00a0 It is something I have always wanted to do, but have never had the time\u2026<\/p>\n

Also, after years of focusing on political history, I have been developing more of an interest in military history.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to explore the causes and lessons of warfare.\u00a0 There are still so many compelling and important stories out there\u2026I\u2019m sure a few of them would make good lectures!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Watson is currently presenting a series of lectures on \u201cThe Holocaust at 70: The Stories History Missed<\/u>\u201d at FAU LLS Jupiter (Tuesdays, 3:30 \u2013 5:00 p.m., April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, 2016).\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Watson will be signing copies of his new book The Nazi Titanic<\/em>, which will be available for purchase, immediately following his lecture on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Sandi Page, Guest Blogger, LLS Student and Volunteer, LLS Jupiter Marketing Committee member     Our spotlight this week is on Dr. Robert P. Watson, one of our most popular Professors here at FAU LLS, who is also Professor…<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/a><\/div>\n

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