Author discusses Reagan’s policies today

Author discusses Reagan’s policies today: Richard Reeves, a former Times reporter, will answer questions after the speech

by Elizabeth White
The Shorthorn
February 23, 2006

A nationally recognized author will be on campus today to discuss his book on former president Ronald Reagan’s policies and philosophy.

The university chapter of Americans for Informed Democracy is hosting Richard Reeves at 5:30 p.m. in 106 College Hall.

Syed Faraz, chapter president and economics junior, said Reeves will talk about Reagan’s polices, and have an open question-and-answer session with the audience. The event is free and open to everyone. A dinner will be provided.

Umer Raffat, vice president and biology junior, said Reeves is in the area promoting his latest book, President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination. Raffat said Reeves has received an Emmy, a duPont-Columbia Award and a Peabody Award. Reeves also worked at The New York Times as a reporter and has been writing books for 30 years.

Faraz said the non-partisan Americans for Informed Democracy works to raise awareness of global issues. He said that about 50 people usually attend events like this and that the group has had great audience response.

“One speaker was scheduled to speak for an hour but stayed for two and a half hours because of the audience interaction,” Faraz said.

Raffat said the professors invited to the event have expressed interest in Reeves’ speech.

“One professor, who is unable to come, asked me to record it for her because it is pertinent to her research,” Raffat said.

Michael Moore, political science associate professor and associate provost, doesn’t expect any controversy at the event.

“I wouldn’t think the lecture would be controversial if the speaker used to be on the editorial board of The New York Times, which is one of the best newspapers in the nation, if not the world,” he said.