Bret Stephens and Seth Klarman to Discuss Conservatism and Journalism

The New York Times columnist and Baupost Group CEO will have a wide-ranging conversation at Cornell University on March 6.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who is a Zubrow Distinguished Visiting Journalist at Cornell, will discuss conservatism and journalism with Seth Klarman '79, CEO and portfolio manager of The Baupost Group and 2026 Hatfield Fellow, in a public event on March 6. The conversation will be introduced by Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Why it matters

This event brings together two prominent figures - a leading conservative voice in journalism and a renowned value investor - to discuss the role of the free press and shared commitment to truth in a healthy democracy. It provides an opportunity for the Cornell community to engage with these important topics.

The details

Stephens and Klarman have known each other for nearly 20 years and have had many meaningful conversations. Klarman said he is looking forward to a 'candid conversation about how we strengthen practices and institutions that underpin a strong democracy - encouraging open debate, promoting civic responsibility and preserving an independent press corps that asks hard questions.' In addition to the public event, Klarman will also be in conversation with Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff for the Hatfield Lecture earlier in the day.

  • The event will take place on March 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
  • Klarman will also be in conversation with President Kotlikoff on March 6 at 11:30 a.m.

The players

Bret Stephens

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times and a Zubrow Distinguished Visiting Journalist at Cornell University.

Seth Klarman

CEO and portfolio manager of The Baupost Group, and 2026 Hatfield Fellow at Cornell University.

Peter John Loewen

The Harold Tanner Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University.

Michael I. Kotlikoff

President of Cornell University.

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What they’re saying

“'Seth and I have known each other for nearly 20 years and have shared many meaningful conversations. I hope this event brings to Cornell some of the energy and relevance that have shaped our discussions over the years.'”

— Bret Stephens (Cornell Chronicle)

“'One of the essential components of a healthy democracy is a free press and another is a shared commitment to truth – values Bret Stephens has long upheld. I'm looking forward to a candid conversation about how we strengthen practices and institutions that underpin a strong democracy – encouraging open debate, promoting civic responsibility and preserving an independent press corps that asks hard questions.'”

— Seth Klarman (Cornell Chronicle)

What’s next

The event on March 6 will be open to the public, and the Cornell community is encouraged to attend.

The takeaway

This conversation between a prominent conservative journalist and a renowned value investor provides an important platform to discuss the role of the free press and shared commitment to truth in a healthy democracy, topics that are crucial for the Cornell community to engage with.