Newt Gingrich and Bill Bradley speak on politics, stray from leadership topic
Natalie Gross
Issue date: 10/27/09 Section: News
Swasey was packed in anticipation of a talk led by two widely-recognized and accomplished political figures, Senator Bill Bradley and Speaker Newt Gingrich, on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Gingrich's brief speech focused on topics such as the problems of sub-prime mortgages, George Washington's leadership tactics and the conflict in Iraq; Bradley's discussed the goodness of the American people, the differences between Republicans and Democrats and healthcare reform.
Though neither seemed to stick closely to the topic of leadership in today's changing world, they did offer several useful insights on our changing world and relevant political issues.
Particularly interesting was Bradley's definition of Democrats as being caring and focused on the collective, in contrast to Republicans, who stress individual responsibility. He followed this by asserting that both are needed, and stressing that bipartisan respect and cooperation are essential to the productive functioning of our government.
Gingrich also spoke about the issue of change broadly in the beginning of his speech.
"There will always be change; every generation has new challenges," he said.
The vast majority of the audience remained for the question and answer period, in which both members of the community and Denison students had the opportunity to ask questions about topics like President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, the future of our world and why politics have become less civil in recent years.
In response to this speaker, sophomore Sam Harcourt said, "I think it's a great honor to have the speakers here tonight, and I think that they did a great job of articulating several prudent issues facing our nation."
Junior Siavash Behdad said he was less impressed with Gingrich in particular.
"The reforms that he pushes don't necessarily recognize those with the least privileges. So is it really reform, or just there to protect his status?" he said.
Gingrich's brief speech focused on topics such as the problems of sub-prime mortgages, George Washington's leadership tactics and the conflict in Iraq; Bradley's discussed the goodness of the American people, the differences between Republicans and Democrats and healthcare reform.
Though neither seemed to stick closely to the topic of leadership in today's changing world, they did offer several useful insights on our changing world and relevant political issues.
Particularly interesting was Bradley's definition of Democrats as being caring and focused on the collective, in contrast to Republicans, who stress individual responsibility. He followed this by asserting that both are needed, and stressing that bipartisan respect and cooperation are essential to the productive functioning of our government.
Gingrich also spoke about the issue of change broadly in the beginning of his speech.
"There will always be change; every generation has new challenges," he said.
The vast majority of the audience remained for the question and answer period, in which both members of the community and Denison students had the opportunity to ask questions about topics like President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, the future of our world and why politics have become less civil in recent years.
In response to this speaker, sophomore Sam Harcourt said, "I think it's a great honor to have the speakers here tonight, and I think that they did a great job of articulating several prudent issues facing our nation."
Junior Siavash Behdad said he was less impressed with Gingrich in particular.
"The reforms that he pushes don't necessarily recognize those with the least privileges. So is it really reform, or just there to protect his status?" he said.
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CV services UK
posted 12/23/09 @ 2:09 PM EST
It was a good meeting with Senator Bill Bradley and Speaker Newt Gingrich.
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