This year has been full of great experiences. The McConnell Center hosted Sen. Scott Brown, UofL hosted Chris Matthews and a live filming of MSNBC's Hardball, as well as Senatorial and Mayoral debates, and the College Democrats hosted former President Bill Clinton. Many McConnell Scholars were active in the campaign on both sides of the aisle this year. Candidates were also anxious to come to campus and get their message out to college students, making for a very exciting election.
My favorite event was with President Clinton. I had seen him speak once before, during the 2008 Presidential primaries at Butler High School. We were in the large gym, but my mom and I both swear that he looked us directly in the eye at some point throughout his speech. He takes charisma to an entirely different level. His speeches draw the audience in.
A McConnell Scholar asked Chris Matthews at a small question and answer session who his most memorable interview was. He got a funny smile on his face and became giddy when he proceeded to talk about Bill Clinton. He gives you "the treatment" and you feel like you're the only person in the world. At this time I had no idea that Clinton would be on campus just two weeks later. (Considering the fact that they let us know less than a week before the actual event). But, now after meeting President Clinton I know exactly what Chris Matthews and so many others have tried to describe. When he came to Grawemeyer Hall before his speech on Conway's behalf the night before Election Day he talked to me for what felt like 15 minutes about how I could make a difference in the election. In fact, his staffers tried to pull him away from our conversation to talk to Conway, but he said he needed a few more minutes. (People asked me why there was such a long break before he came out to speak). Then, after talking to Conway he came back to continue our discussion! He started by saying, "Now, John" and waving his finger in my face. He proceeded to talk about campaign strategy and specific ways to get "2,000-10,000" more college age kids to vote the following day. He spoke to me like I was the only person in the world and showed that I could make a difference. I felt like we were old friends. Needless to say, that is a gift.
After his speech he took numerous pictures and stayed until he signed everything that was given to him. As we left, some of us caught ourselves wondering if there would in fact be a Clinton on the ticket in 2012, but not the current Secretary of State!
The best part about this event, and the semester in general, is that the University of Louisville and the McConnell Center are significant actors in so many things and will continue to make events like these a reality. The campus saw an unbelievable assortment of events this year that contributed to our education outside of the classroom. It truly makes me proud to be a Cardinal and to be a part of the McConnell Center.
John Weber
My favorite event was with President Clinton. I had seen him speak once before, during the 2008 Presidential primaries at Butler High School. We were in the large gym, but my mom and I both swear that he looked us directly in the eye at some point throughout his speech. He takes charisma to an entirely different level. His speeches draw the audience in.
A McConnell Scholar asked Chris Matthews at a small question and answer session who his most memorable interview was. He got a funny smile on his face and became giddy when he proceeded to talk about Bill Clinton. He gives you "the treatment" and you feel like you're the only person in the world. At this time I had no idea that Clinton would be on campus just two weeks later. (Considering the fact that they let us know less than a week before the actual event). But, now after meeting President Clinton I know exactly what Chris Matthews and so many others have tried to describe. When he came to Grawemeyer Hall before his speech on Conway's behalf the night before Election Day he talked to me for what felt like 15 minutes about how I could make a difference in the election. In fact, his staffers tried to pull him away from our conversation to talk to Conway, but he said he needed a few more minutes. (People asked me why there was such a long break before he came out to speak). Then, after talking to Conway he came back to continue our discussion! He started by saying, "Now, John" and waving his finger in my face. He proceeded to talk about campaign strategy and specific ways to get "2,000-10,000" more college age kids to vote the following day. He spoke to me like I was the only person in the world and showed that I could make a difference. I felt like we were old friends. Needless to say, that is a gift.
After his speech he took numerous pictures and stayed until he signed everything that was given to him. As we left, some of us caught ourselves wondering if there would in fact be a Clinton on the ticket in 2012, but not the current Secretary of State!
The best part about this event, and the semester in general, is that the University of Louisville and the McConnell Center are significant actors in so many things and will continue to make events like these a reality. The campus saw an unbelievable assortment of events this year that contributed to our education outside of the classroom. It truly makes me proud to be a Cardinal and to be a part of the McConnell Center.
John Weber