Timing had a lot to do with the creation of this media star. In the late 1980s, Madonna would distribute studies of Pennsylvania issues in the state Capitol newsroom. John Baer, Harrisburg correspondent for the Daily News, found some of them interesting and began quoting the professor from time to time. Two years later, the national press keyed in on Lynn Yeakel's unsuccessful challenge to Sen. Arlen Specter during the backlash over the Anita Hill affair. Madonna was on the spot, and the call for his commentary grew.
Many academics argue that punditry gets in the way of serious scholarship.
But Madonna believes that the media are a lecture hall writ large. Part of my job is public education. I think it's great. Thomas Fitzgerald is a writer in The Inquirer's Harrisburg bureau. All rights reserved.