Rove forum disrespected in more ways than one

"Let him talk! He's his son!"

For anyone sitting toward the front right of "A Conversation with Karl Rove" the other night, this outburst was one of many heard. This one didn't make it into the newspaper until now. A lady, seated in the front row, shouted this as Duke grad Stephen Miller cut in line to ask his question for Rove.

There were quite a few inappropriate actions that occurred at the Rove speech the other night. Sure, it was really easy to see what the protestors were doing, but one of the group of Duke College Republicans and Duke Conservatives sitting at the front left of Page Auditorium violated the rules of the talk as well. Sorry, Mr. Miller. Cutting in front of about 15 people just because you happen to be seated close to the microphone was impolite and threatened the authenticity of the question and answer session.

Rove had few vocal friends at the speech. And the ones who were vocal not only violated the talk's decorum, they prevented more people from interacting with Rove during the question section. As did Miller.

To the Duke Conservatives at this school, I sincerely hope you all can, at some point, decide to put your own face on your group. To the Duke Republicans, unfortunately guilty by association, you need to publicly separate yourself from this man before your credibility goes down the tube. To the Duke Democrats, where are you? This was a great opportunity for some kind of a debate outside of the talk. It was nowhere to be found. There are people at this school just itching to get involved. Presidential primaries start in a month. Where are the groups?

Finally, to Miller, you graduated. I know you feel strongly about what you do, but you've got to turn over the reins.

At least, someone has to take them from the son of Karl Rove.

Elad Gross