# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 06:30 pm – Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 07:30 pm (-07:00)
- **Event Description**: What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide?About this EventWhat does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide?Americans have debated those questions for 250 years. The issue of what it means to be an American shaped the compromises in the Constitution and the arguments we’ve been having ever since—spawning abolitionism, secession, and civil war; populism, mass migration, and global leadership; movements for reform and the backlashes to them.Former Obama speechwriter Ben Rhodes has examined the speeches of 15 people that shaped and reflected the argument Americans have been having from our founding to the present day’s heated divisions.Rhodes has traced the history of our battle over identity. The result is a revealing portrait of America itself: a nation divided between two stories—one of inheritance, power, and exclusion; the other of equality, striving, and belonging. Drawing on a decade writing for Barack Obama, Rhodes also shows us how words can redirect a nation, what makes a speech enduring, and why oratory is a unique form of persuasion in American democracy.From Benjamin Franklin’s call for compromise at the Constitutional Convention, to Alexander Stephens’ case for white supremacy as the cornerstone of the Confederacy; from Martin Luther King’s dream of true equality to Donald Trump’s rallying cry against democracy itself, these speeches remind us that history is a living argument. At a time when American identity—and truth—is contested, Rhodes comes to Commonwealth Club World Affairs to offer a fresh and powerful look at who we really are and who we could still become.NotesAttendees subject to search. No large bags or backpacks.This program is: in-person only. If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask.Photo by Polly Irungu.Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs.All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.Louis B. Mayer TheatreSanta Clara University(corner of Franklin and Lafayette Streets)500 El Camino RealSanta Clara, CA 95050SpeakersBen Rhodes, Former Deputy National Security Advisor and Speechwriter to President Barack Obama; Co-Host "Pod Save the World"; Author, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 SpeechesModerator: TBA5:45 p.m. doors open & check-in6:30–7:30 p.m. program(all times Pacific Time)
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/santa-clara/ben-rhodes-all-we-say-the-battle-for-american-identity/100001987153408337
- **Event Categories**: Art, Business, Theatre, fine-arts, literary-art
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 27.33, max: 27.33, currency: USD

## Event venue details

- **city**: Santa Clara
- **state**: CA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 500 El Camino Real
- **lat**: 37.3473001
- **long**: -121.9352478
- **full address**: 500 El Camino Real, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/b81b8e7cbc8ae0d4b047d346f1774581279d1466ccbd68f861f4e75c0f890f1a-rimg-w1200-h675-dc2f4601-gmir.jpg?v=1776263473

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity being held?
  - **A:** Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity takes place on Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 06:30 pm to Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 07:30 pm at 500 El Camino Real, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, United States.
- **Q**: How much do tickets cost for Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity?
  - **A:** Tickets for Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity are priced at USD 27 per person. Here's a full breakdown of available ticket types:Ticket TypePriceAvailabilityGeneral Admission, NonmemberUSD 27 + USD 2 feeAvailable
- **Q**: Who is organizing Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity?
  - **A:** Ben Rhodes: All We Say, the Battle for American Identity is organized by Inforum at the Commonwealth Club.

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