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Karl Rove makes controversial trip to UCSB
Posted: Feb 26, 2010 12:50 AM by Ryan Foran
Updated: Feb 26, 2010 12:50 AM
Karl Rove makes a controversial stop on the Central Coast.
The former deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush spoke at UC Santa Barbara tonight.
Rove's visit to UCSB definitely polarized the campus community. Rove spoke for about an hour and a half inside Campbell Hall, but he wasn't the only one having his voice heard.
The protestors were out early and often. Many were upset with the fact that more than $14,000 in student fees were used to help pay for the $31,000 visit. Others were just upset with what they believe he stands for.
"He's the one that help Bush and Cheney in the war in Iraq, spread lies, and killing all the Americans in Iraq," Leoncio Mertins
said as he protested outside the event.
Just seconds after Rove addressed the more than 700 people, the protest moved inside as people walked out.
"Darn it I wished they stayed around, we could of had an honest debate," Rove said about the planned walk out.
Rove was quick to address his protestors, and praised the UCSB College Republicans for hosting him to discuss his new book Courage and Consequence and to talk politics.
"I'm honored to to be here on a campus that prizes the first amendment enough to show
some diversity in the kind of speakers it invites to the campus," Rove said.
Shortly after the walk out, Rove was then interrupted by another protestor who shouted from the back of Campbell Hall.
Again, Rove was quick to fire back.
"That's what passes for liberal intellectuals in Southern California," Rove responded.
The UCSB College Republicans say the protest and debate is actually one of the reasons they invited such a controversial political figure.
There were plenty of opinions heard tonight, and plenty of security. Besides all the police officers, there was a bomb sniffing dog on hand as well.
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