Karl Rove to speak at GSPM Commencement

Karl Rove, the controversial deputy chief of staff of political affairs for President Bush and the “architect” of his election, will speak at the commencement ceremony for the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) on Saturday.

“Karl Rove has helped to elect and re-elect a president, has run successful gubernatorial and senate campaigns, and has advised hundreds of races,” said Christopher Arterton, dean of GSPM. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to hear directly from one of the most well-known political strategists of our time.”

However, the announcement of Rove as school’s commencement speaker was not apprecaited by all. A group of GSPM gradutes and alumni, led by Gautam Raghavan M.A. ‘06, have questioned GSPM’s invitation of a strategist many deem to be unethical.

“While Rove is a brilliant political strategist, we don’t believe he represents the ethical approach to politics that our program upholds,” said Raghavan. “Nor do we believe he’s acted in the spirit of the fair, open, and democratic political process that our country needs in such a divided and partisan time.”

Raghavan said that he and about 20 graduates and alumni drafted an open letter to express their disappointment with Rove’s appearance. He said Arterton had been “very sympathetic and responsive to our concerns.”

Arterton did not return a request for comment.
“Our concern isn’t partisan at all,” said Raghvan. “It’s about supporting an ethical and socially responsible approach to politics over an approach that’s all about winning at any cost.”

GSPM, which is well-known for producing consultants and operatives, has a history of featuring prominents political figures during its yearly commencement ceremony. The school rotates the political affiliations of the keynote speaker every year. Past speakers have included Donna Brazile, who was Al Gore’s campaign manager in 2000; Rick Davis, John McCain’s campaign manager in 2000; former Democratic National Committee Chairman Don Fowler; columnist and author Arianna Huffington; Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.); chairman of the Republican National Committee, Ken Mehlman; television commentator Bill Press.