Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning author and journalist Hedrick Smith addressed a sold-out audience at the Hotel La Aldea ballroom, sharing some of the wisdom and insights he’s gained over a career spanning 50 years, including serving as New York Times bureau chief for Moscow, various Asian capitals and Washington D.C.; as well as producing numerous PBS specials.

From the start, Smith stepped out from behind the podium without notes, and held the audience rapt for an hour-long presentation; followed by another hour of thoughtfully addressing audience questions—an impressive demonstration of why he is one of America’s most authoritative and respected scholars on the U.S. political system.