“Speed Hump” Day January 14, 2009 by Ryan Duffy Today’s program was filled with many posthumous and well known speakers and presenters. It started off with the current, for a few more days, press secretary Dana Perrino. It was nice to hear from someone inside the Bush White House, but it felt very tough to trust and fully respect during her interview in front of us.
He was very insightful and intelligent concerning her position and was very willing to share some tricks of the press trade. However, she seemed extremely condescending and talked down to many of the students who asked her questions that opposed the Bush Administration’s positions. The breaking point was the 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and how we have no idea on the situation as if we don’t remember it at all. In addition, she seemed very defensive and overbearing against any question/person with an opposing view. The calls that were made during the show were nearly completely to the conservative side and were just there to reaffirm their love for President Bush.
Changing subjects, next was television network legend Ted Koppel. While quite uninspiring and unentertaining, he was exactly as I expected, very professional as if still on the air. Clarence Page was the complete opposite and really saved the morning seminar waking most from the deep slumbers (reoccurring theme), with very topical and well timed humour. For our site visit we traveled to the Algerian Embassy. This was by far the best visit we’ve had yet. Ambassador Abdallah Baali was very cordial and willing to answer any questions we asked. Also, his presence gave a new perspective on America’s perception around the world, especially in the Arab world, even though they are considered friendly.
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