Hope and expectations

Newt Gingrich's speech at Wheeling's Capitol Theatre Friday was intriguing and intellectually challenging. Despite my personal disagreement with his politics, I came away with index cards full of notes and frankly some inspiration.

When I was asked to introduce the former House Speaker, I had hopes and expectations--and they were not the same. My hope was that Gingrich would be at his intellectual best with lots of talk about public policy. My expectation was that the event would turn into a tea-party type political rally. I am pleased to report that my HOPES were realized.

Gingrich offered about 80% broad public policy ideas--including some ideas our local folks would do well to consider (read Mike Myers column about that aspect). About 10% of the time went to some specific ideas I can't agree with (e.g. dismantle the EPA), and 10% was red meat to the GOP faithful (all of this came in response to questions).

When I introduced Gingrich I said I believe ideas and intellectual discourse should matter more than political labels. And I think the WLU Economics Club sponsored event furthered that aim. I hope this can be one in a series of great public policy discussions.

Gingrich came to me after the events and said, in effect, "OK, Liberal, how'd I do?". I told him not bad.

Maybe next time, we could get a Democrat, though.

Comments

[Robert Gaudio]

I am hopeful but not optimistic that the WLU campus Politics and Economics organizations will soon invite a centrist, center-left or far-left leaning speaker of repute to offer his or her viewpoints on the American political/economic landscape. Since Robin Capehart took over, we have endured an unending parade of right, far-right and, worse, neo-conservative speakers at the various fora. Such an obvious political agenda should cease immediately, and a more objective, universal approach be taken regarding program development. Perhaps you could lend a hand in the transition, Howard?