Howard Dean, elected chairman of the Democratic Nominating
Committee and early frontrunner in the 2004 Democratic presidential
nomination, is scheduled to speak on campus today as part of the
party’s fundraising campaign.
The event is being put on by Bruin Democrats.
Gabe Rose, events director for the group, said he expects Dean
to talk about his experiences as a politician as well as his
perspective on the nation’s political direction.
“He’s a very smart man and politician and he has
amazing experience he’ll be able to show,” Rose said.
“From his role as governor of Vermont to running for
president, plus being the chairman of the DNC, he’s a huge
influence on our country.”
Dean is scheduled to speak at 5 p.m. in Young Hall, CS 50. His
presentation will last about 20 minutes and will be followed by a
40-minute question-and-answer session.
Jesse Melgar, media relations director for Bruin Democrats, said
the Democratic Party’s willingness to come and talk to young
people shows concern for the next generation.
“As a leader of the Democratic Party, for him to be
willing to talk to the campus and talk to young people shows that
the party actually cares and wants to hear the students’
concerns,” Melgar said.
Dean initially offered to speak to the UCLA student body as part
of the DNC’s fundraising and publicity campaign through Los
Angeles, said Derek Lowrey, president of Bruin Democrats.
“He’s stopping by Los Angeles and he wanted to come
talk for the campaign and as a perspective for the left wing of the
Democratic Party. He also loves youth support and he was very
popular at UCLA during his run for president,” Lowrey
said.
Lowrey said Bruin Democrats is very fortunate to have such a
prominent political figure speak.
He believes the talk will be educational and open the eyes of
people who have questions about politics in general.
Plus, Lowrey added, it’s not every day a student gets to
speak with the chairman of the DNC.