News Releases

Former Arkansas Governor and GOP Presidential Candidate Mixes
Humor and Serious Political Analysis During Visit to Campus

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 2008) -- Mike Huckabee, former Republican presidential candidate, spoke at Iona College April 23rd as part of the school’s Presidential Leadership Series. More than 1,000 people including both Iona students and the general public gathered to hear former Arkansas governor’s speech: “The Pursuit of the Presidency and the Perfectly Insane American Process.”

After meeting with President Brother James Liguori and other college leaders, and doing an advanced signing of hundreds of copies of his book, “From Hope to Higher Ground: 12 Stops to Restoring America’s Greatness,” that he later gave away, he and Brother Liguori walked across the campus to the Mulcahy Gymnasium at the Hynes Athletic Center with Huckabee shaking hands with dozens of students along the way.

Prior to making his way into the packed gymnasium for his formal remarks, the former governor held a 30-minute press conference. An ordained Baptist minister, Huckabee responded to a broad range of questions that touched on such disparate topics as his being a vice presidential candidate, the continuing presidential primaries and why he was wearing cowboy boots. With respect to the boots, the affable former governor quipped: “I forgot I was in New York.”

On the subject of his possible interest in being John McCain’s running mate, he said: “It’s a job nobody ever says they want, but nobody ever turns down. There is no application on Google for the Vice President!”

In his speech he mixed humor and serious commentary as he offered his insights on the problems facing the nation and on his experience as a candidate in the campaign for the 2008 presidential election. He stressed the importance for the nation to keep its moral compass and not focus so heavily on money and power.” His 45-minute address to a rapt audience, was followed by a lively question and answer session with the audience.

Iona’s Presidential Leadership Series brings renowned speakers to the campus to share their expertise with the Iona community. Previous speakers have included New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, New York State Governor Mario Cuomo, and presidential candidate Steve Forbes.

(-30-)

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: (914) 633-2005 fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu

Back to Top