Pundits on both sides of political aisle join Business Conference lineup
| Sunday, Dec 06 2009 12:05 PM
Last Updated Sunday, Dec 06 2009 12:05 PM
Political pundits from both the right and the left plus an Olympic gold medalist will join the lineup of speakers at next year's Bakersfield Business Conference.
Democratic political strategist and syndicated columnist Donna Brazile is at one end of the spectrum, and syndicated columnist Cal Thomas is at the other end.
"We've committed to having speakers from both sides of the aisle this year," said Brandon Martin, one of the conference's organizers. "If people don't like what they're hearing, they can find an alternative viewpoint elsewhere in the conference, sometimes multiple alternative viewpoints."
Brazile is an author and adjunct professor at Georgetown University and an on-air contributor to CNN, NPR and ABC, where she appears regularly on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."
She was also campaign manager for Al Gore's presidential run, the first African-American woman to head a national political campaign.
"She'll definitely make a great foil for Cal Thomas. They're not going to see eye to eye on very much," Martin said.
Thomas is a panelist on "Fox News Watch" and author of more than 10 books.
Actress and Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby will speak, as well.
Rigby, who was born premature and sickly, turned to gymnastics to combat shyness and an alcoholic father.
"She offers a story of resilience that will be right in tune with our culture right now," Martin said. "Through her ability to rebound, she came out on top."
Mike Williams, owner of local gymnastics studio American Kids Sports Center, said he was glad to hear Rigby will be speaking.
"She's a hall of famer in our sport who really helped put gymnastics on the map in the United States," he said.
Rigby also was nominated for a best actress Tony Award for her portrayal of Peter Pan on Broadway.
The much anticipated one-day Bakersfield Business Conference is returning Oct. 9 after a five-year absence, and organizers are announcing one, two or three speakers a week as headliners in business, politics and entertainment are confirmed.
Previously announced speakers include former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Republican strategist Karl Rove, former first lady Laura Bush, former vice president Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne Cheney, impressionist Rich Little and country music performer Ronnie Milsap.
For conference updates and ticket details, go to www.bpcbakbusconf.com.
