Scott McClellan, the former White House press secretary who wrote the controversial book What Happened, was interviewed by Prof. Tom Grimes last Tuesday in the LBJ Student Center.
The auditorium was packed with students and teachers alike. Even the former Texas state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn was in attendance.
The interview consisted of questions pertaining mostly to McClellan’s time spent in the white house.
He defended George Bush’s ethics, but clarified that “he made critical mistakes on misguided policies.”
McClellan said that many of the problems in Washington stemmed from George Bush bringing in his friends he made from his time as governor.
“There wasn’t enough diversity,” said McClellan.
The interview lasted roughly 40 minutes and afterward there was a short Q&A session. Some took this time more seriously than others. One student asked what George Bush’s involvement in global domination was. McClellan laughed it off and said he thought that sounded a little “conspiratorial.”
The session was broadcast live on ustream.tv for those who were unable to attend.
Students watching online also got their chance to ask questions. Cindy Royal, the assistant professor of New Media, served as a mediator in the chat room. She had the opportunity to ask two questions the viewers of the chat room wanted to know.
Royal showed much enthusiasm when she was asked about the online viewers. She said that students watching on the web really showed an interest on the topic.
As the assembly came to an end, some people left while the others lined up to meet the keynote speaker.
The students watching in the auditorium had mixed opinions of McClellan’s answers to the interview.
“It was interesting to hear his side of the story first hand,” said Sarah Fulton, a public relations student.
Some of them seemed to think that he was just reciting rehearsed answers.
“It didn’t sound natural,” said Travis Brooks, a junior. “It was almost like he was performing a monologue.”
Prof. Tom Grimes seemed to have a similar view.
“I found the whole thing to be very interesting, but a little formulaic,” said Grimes. “Overall though, it was a pleasure to sit down and hear what he had to say.”
Related Videos:
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=84952
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=83590
Photo by Colter Ray.
The auditorium was packed with students and teachers alike. Even the former Texas state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn was in attendance.
The interview consisted of questions pertaining mostly to McClellan’s time spent in the white house.
He defended George Bush’s ethics, but clarified that “he made critical mistakes on misguided policies.”
McClellan said that many of the problems in Washington stemmed from George Bush bringing in his friends he made from his time as governor.
“There wasn’t enough diversity,” said McClellan.
The interview lasted roughly 40 minutes and afterward there was a short Q&A session. Some took this time more seriously than others. One student asked what George Bush’s involvement in global domination was. McClellan laughed it off and said he thought that sounded a little “conspiratorial.”
The session was broadcast live on ustream.tv for those who were unable to attend.
Students watching online also got their chance to ask questions. Cindy Royal, the assistant professor of New Media, served as a mediator in the chat room. She had the opportunity to ask two questions the viewers of the chat room wanted to know.
Royal showed much enthusiasm when she was asked about the online viewers. She said that students watching on the web really showed an interest on the topic.
As the assembly came to an end, some people left while the others lined up to meet the keynote speaker.
The students watching in the auditorium had mixed opinions of McClellan’s answers to the interview.
“It was interesting to hear his side of the story first hand,” said Sarah Fulton, a public relations student.
Some of them seemed to think that he was just reciting rehearsed answers.
“It didn’t sound natural,” said Travis Brooks, a junior. “It was almost like he was performing a monologue.”
Prof. Tom Grimes seemed to have a similar view.
“I found the whole thing to be very interesting, but a little formulaic,” said Grimes. “Overall though, it was a pleasure to sit down and hear what he had to say.”
For those who missed the event, the event can be seen here.
Related Videos:
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=84952
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=83590
Photo by Colter Ray.
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