Roberts, ABC's Stossel to host political talks
Campus Conservatives will open the doors of political discussion to Central Michigan University when they bring two speakers this week.
British political commentator Andrew Roberts will present at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium while ABC's "20/20" co-anchor John Stossel will appear at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium.
"I'm definitely interested in seeing them come (to campus)," said Chase Canning, Campus Conservatives president and Lambertville sophomore. "Stossel, I haven't had the chance to see speak."
Stossel and Roberts were among many possible speakers proposed at the beginning of the academic year.
"We usually have a meeting and take suggestions - some will get used and some won't," said John Klumpp, Wyoming, Mich. freshman and Campus Conservatives member. "Other speakers may come from the connections of former group president Dennis Lennox."
Lennox, a Topinabee junior, said Stossel and Roberts have been in the running to speak since November or December.
Each speaker was arranged through an association of private donors. The group received no financial assistance from the university. Because CMU has no final approval of speakers, the only factor determining their appearance is whether the proper funds are secured.
"These speakers aren't cheap," Lennox said. "If it weren't for private donors, it wouldn't be possible."
Campus Conservatives typically hosts two to three speakers per semester. However, Stossel and Roberts are the latest of 11 speakers so far this year.
Lennox said Campus Conservatives is enthused to see speakers whose views differ from the "usual suspects."
"It's nice to have an alternative perspective," Lennox said. "We're hoping it'll be well-received."
John Stossel, a Libertarian, is not traditionally conservative, yet his economic values are what specifically interest Campus Conservatives.
"He's a very prominent journalist," said political science assistant professor Jayne Cherie Strachan. "I think it's fine we have diversity in views on campus."
Stossel, an award-winning news correspondent, joined the program "20/20" in 1981 and became co-anchor in May 2003. His in-depth specials began in 1994.
He covers a large range of topics, including a 2007 special called "Sick in America," which focused on health care.
Like Stossel, Roberts' views are intended to draw constructive discussion among audience members Tuesday.
"I've had the opportunity to hear him on TV a few times," Lennox said. "The key is to get students involved."
Roberts' lecture will concentrate on a multitude of subjects, including the preservation of western civilization and terrorism.
"He's a very esteemed political commentator," Lennox said. "He's going to touch a whole host of subjects."
Roberts is a renowned British historian and critic, analyzing books, politics, and historical events since the mid-1980s. He has authored nearly a dozen books.
Both speeches are free will have question and answer sections.
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