Condoleezza Rice to speak in Meany Hall

President George W. Bush's right-hand woman will pay a visit to the UW on Sept. 7. Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser to the president, will give a brief lecture and answer questions from the audience in a discussion session in Meany Hall.

The World Affairs Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in the Pacific Northwest, is sponsoring the forum. The council is dedicated to promoting dialogue on topics with global implications.

Though the topic of Rice's address has not been announced, UW political organizations have already formed views on what issues Rice should speak to. Members of the College Republicans and the Young Democrats will be in attendance at the event, according to officers in the organizations.

"I would like her to address the widespread failures of national security during [Bush's] term," said Young Democrats President Brendan Levy.

Rice was appointed national security adviser to the president at the start of his term in 2001. Already a visible figure in the administration because of her gender and age, she gained added prominence last spring when she testified before a panel investigation into the level of prior government knowledge of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Rice maintained throughout the investigation that government knowledge of al Qaeda activity had been imprecise and that the administration could not have known when attacks would occur.

"I think she's a great woman and has done a great job as national security adviser," said College Republicans President Nick Dayton. He went on to say that he would like to hear Rice's plans for border security in the next four years.

Another College Republicans member, Political Chair Aaron Schwitters, was hopeful that the event would serve to articulate Bush's policies on national-security issues.

"It's good that she's coming because a lot of media coverage and news on campus is negative regarding the president's policies," said Schwitters. "It is important to have someone here, standing right in front of students."

The event, at which UW President Mark Emmert will serve as moderator, will cost $35 for nonmembers of the World Affairs Council. Members will be charged $25.

According to Levy, members of the Young Democrats will protest Bush's policies outside Meany Hall. They will also have a membership table "so that when people come to see Condoleezza Rice, they can automatically sign up to be a Young Democrat," said Levy.

Schwitters said the College Republicans will be present outside Meany Hall as well.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE VISIT

Who: National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice

What: A forum sponsored by the World Affairs Council

When: Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. (Pre-registration is required by noon on Sept. 2.)

Where: Meany Hall

How much: $25 for World Affairs Council members, $35 for nonmembers