Bruin Republicans host Tammy Bruce in effort to add perspective to conservatism
Bruin Republicans hosted conservative radio talk show host Tammy Bruce.
By Emily Chu
Nov. 17, 2011 2:13 a.m.
In spite of a 30-minute delay, a crowd of about 60 people remained captive as Tammy Bruce made a late entrance into Moore Hall.
Bruce, a conservative radio talk show host, gave a speech titled “How Conservative Politics Empower Women, Gays, and Blacks,” put on by Bruin Republicans Wednesday night.
Samantha Schutte, president of Bruin Republicans and a third-year political science and economics student, said she thought Bruce’s mixed politics could draw a varied crowd and bring a new perspective to the campus.
Bruce, who is openly gay, immediately addressed her seemingly contradictory politics when she took to the stage.
“I’m not a Michele Bachmann conservative. I’m not those conservatives out there. I’m not a Republican,” she said.
Bruce, who identifies herself as a “dynamic independent,” said her conservatism gives her the freedom to express and explore her beliefs, something that liberalism no longer offers her.
Bruce was registered as a Democrat until 2008 and even worked on one of Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns.
She now works as a political contributor for Fox News.
But Bruce said her politics have remained consistent, despite her change in affiliation.
She said she considers herself a strong feminist who is pro-choice. But she said she believes women should not put themselves in a position to end up in abortion clinics in the first place.
Of the economy, she said she is in favor of small government.
She added that money is empowering, which in turn can empower minority groups.
Second-year political science student Dahae Lee, who said she is neither conservative or liberal, said she was drawn to the potential for discussion between the two sides at the event.
During the Q&A portion after the discussion, third-year anthropology student and former Daily Bruin Opinion columnist Francesca de la Fuente challenged Bruce’s arguments.
“I’m a staunch progressive and liberal feminist, as far left as it gets,” de la Fuente said after the event. “Learning about the other side has only strengthened my views.”
