(Published Saturday, March 24, 2007 12:59:53 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Stan Milam Special to the Gazette
WASHINGTON-Presidential adviser Karl Rove was at Capitol Hill on Friday-not to face questioning from congressional leaders and investigators, but from Janesville Parker High School students taking part in the Washington Seminar program this week.
In a move that surprised even hardened political observers, Rove agreed to meet with the students at the request of Wisconsin's First Congressional District Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.
Rove met with students away from the White House in the Cannon House Office Building Budget Committee main hearing room.
Rove set no ground rules for the briefing, but said he would "be a lot more candid" if the session was not tape-recorded.
The students agreed to his request.
Rove did agree to be photographed, however, and he spent nearly an hour answering questions students had on various federal government topics they have been studying throughout the school year.
The questions all were asked in terms of the political ramifications associated with the issues. For example, student Becky Flynn wanted to know if Republicans would continue to run on an education platform featuring the No Child Left Behind program that has met with stiff opposition from teachers and most Democrats.
"We have to be a party focused on education," said Rove, who serves as assistant to President Bush, his deputy chief of staff and chief advisor.
Rove explained No Child Left Behind has been a success story for Republicans.
"One of the complaints we hear is that teachers teach to the tests we require," Rove said. "Well, if those tests tell us whether we are succeeding, then, yes, we should teach to the tests."
Rove spoke passionately about No Child Left Behind, saying it's been documented that if students can't read by the third grade, severe problems result.
"When we implemented this program in Texas, we had East Texas educators tell us that some kids just can't be taught to read," Rove said. "What they were saying was that black, poor, rural or Hispanic kids weren't reading by third grade.
"Well, that was just unacceptable, and we refused to accept that premise."
After the briefing, Flynn said she was surprised by Rove's claims of improvements in education during the Bush administration.
"He claimed (there has been) more improvement in the last six years in reading than (there was) in the past 28 years," Flynn said. "I'll be looking that up as part of my research."
Rove had some fun with student Matt Hoadley, who asked the adviser about the political implications of Al Gore's recent star power based on the issue of global warming.
Hoadley wears his hair in a Beatles-type cut.
"You should get a haircut," Rove told him. "I'll give you $5 if you make this boy cut his hair," Rove said turning to Washington Seminar director and advanced placement government teacher Joe Van Rooy.
Rove went on to downplay some of the science used by Gore and others, but pointed out the Bush administration is spending billions on climate change and alternative energy initiatives.
Not all students agreed with Rove's positions, but all were unanimous in their respect for his enthusiasm, knowledge of the issues and ability to forcefully articulate his positions.
Ryan was unable to attend the briefing, but said earlier he was more than willing to arrange the session.
"This is an indication of the trust we can have in the Washington Seminar program," Ryan said. "I'm pleased that I can help the students add to their research with this type of activity."
Rove reviews
Here's a sampling of Washington Seminar student and staff reaction to a briefing with presidential political advisor Karl Rove on Friday:
-- Student Joel Moore: "He's an absolutely astounding speaker. I don't agree with him on all the issues he addressed, but he's such a powerful speaker you find yourself agreeing with him for the moment. He was a powerful, powerful, powerful presence in the room."
-- Janesville Parker High School Principal Dale Carlson: "I sat there and realized what a great opportunity for these students to question a person who has such tremendous influence with the president. The students' questions were targeted, and his passion for the issues was very apparent."
-- Student Lucas Moench: "I was most impressed by his enthusiasm about the various points he made. He cared about what he was saying, not just handing out the party line."
-- Student Phillip Konkol: "What got my attention is how he commanded our attention. He looked right at you, and you could feel a connection when he spoke."
-- Student Alex Erlien: "He's obviously a man of very high intelligence. He can take a question and answer it without putting others down. He seemed to be able to do that without confrontation."
-- Parker teacher and Washington Seminar Director Joe Van Rooy: "The students did very, very well, as I expected they would. They were well prepared; they had good questions, and they were not just softball questions such as 'What's it like to be a presidential adviser.'''
