to make up for the bad video link?
http://graphic.pepperdine.edu/perspectives/2006/2006-09-21-kerry.htm Doors closed at politicized Kerry speech
Shannon Kelly
Perspectives Editor
A Public Safety officer made a huge mistake on Monday. Somehow he let a liberal through the guard gate resulting in a Smothers Theatre appearance by a Democratic (read — not Republican) senator — John Kerry (gasp).
It is about time Pepperdine opened its doors to more people who do not fit the stereotypical conservative mold that so many associate with this university. Inviting such a high-profile Democrat verifies respectable efforts to bring balance and diverse perspectives to the school.
Despite Pepperdine’s inherent conservatism Kerry’s appearance was so well received that students, faculty and even some Malibu locals began lining up more than two hours before his speech began. Those who had classes opted out of going to snatch a first-come-first-serve ticket, but many students were turned away since the theater was full. This is not surprising despite some people wrongly predicting a negative reception or foreseeing a low turnout.
It was an unfair misjudgment for anyone to think that so many students would turn down a rare opportunity to attend an address made by a past, and possible future, presidential candidate.
It appears that event planners agreed with this underestimation, as Dean Baird said in an e-mail “I wasn’t sure just how large the audience would be and whether we could actually fill up the Fieldhouse, or the floor of the Fieldhouse.” He mentioned other reasons for keeping the speech in Smother’s including concern with lighting requirements for T.V. crews, concern over displacing an athletic practice and wanting the best possible audio for the speech.
“In hind sight, we probably should have given more consideration to moving the venue from Smothers to the Fieldhouse,” Baird said. Agreed.
There is no justification for closing the doors on eager students, especially when many of them are trying to attend an event to acknowledge a political viewpoint that is different from their own.
I could not escape class until minutes before the speech and was greeted with an “I’m sorry but we’re full. You can listen from the Plaza though.” Fine. I found a cozy spot on a smoldering cement stair, teetered my notebook on my knees and rolled up my sleeves in preparation for an hour-long sunburn session with Kerry’s voice resounding all around me via loudspeaker (my idea of a perfect Malibu afternoon).
Along with the rest of the courtyard rejects, I intently absorbed Kerry’s speech on “faith,” which incidentally managed unreservedly political suggestions such as raising minimum wage, providing universal insurance, expanding federal programs, stopping an unjust war, and recognizing the “ironclad” evidence for global warming. Luckily, I sweated these suggestions right out of my system thanks to the 85-degree heat.
After his rehearsed address ended, Kerry preceded the Q & A by expressing concern about the “risk” of some people missing his incentive for speaking at Pepperdine and thinking he speech was political. He “doesn’t want that to happen.”
His speech was political.
Referring to poverty, environmental issues, abortion and stopping unjust wars as “Godly tasks” and adding scriptural illustrations to almost every point he made, however, seemed like an introduction to Kerry’s very own version of Faith-Based Initiatives (as if we need more of those). Blanketing blatantly politicized issues with religious rhetoric does not camouflage the fact that Kerry seems to claim a sort of “moral high ground.”
It is a smart tactic — turn political issues in to moral issues and preach them to a mostly religious audience (that is, incidentally, old enough to vote). Can’t trick everyone though.
But, on the bright side, political underpinnings were expected, and considering his occupation (politician), there is absolutely no reason to hide them. I only see trouble with trying to pretend they are not intentional or that Kerry did not spend incredible time and energy constructing a far-reaching political message.
I wonder if what he constructed for Pepperdine is far-reaching enough to work on an overwhelmingly liberal student body (UC Berkley?) that would not swallow the same rhetoric so easily. No cheating — leave every single biblical reference and tell them what you told us; “We can take up God’s work as our own.”
Kerry fully attended to this audience and its attitudes regarding faith and found a Christian-centered common ground to relate with the general Pepperdine community (many of whom might not agree with his politics). He also promoted unity through faith — an admirable performance. It seems like he disregarded how his non-Christian supporters might react if they heard him rallying support for his “Godly tasks.”
Those who agreed with Kerry before he spoke probably still agree. Those who disagree with his politics (the people who were not expected to rush to the line) were respectful but probably walked out of Smothers still conservative.
Either way, Kerry delivered a powerful, worthwhile speech (regardless of the listener’s political beliefs).
Submitted 09-21-2006
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