Conservative commentator Michael Knowles spoke at Truman State University Thursday night at an event sponsored by the College Republicans.
Knowles, an author and host of “The Michael Knowles Show” on conservative website The Daily Wire, spoke in Magruder Hall. His speech was titled “Covfefe on Campus” in reference to a well-known Tweet from President Donald Trump. More than 80 students and community members attended the event.
Knowles spoke about the importance of engaging in dialogue on college campuses. He also spoke about “schooling the libs,” which he described as using humor to promote a political message. The 30-minute speech was followed by a Q&A session.
“It’s never been more important to school the libs — I’m glad we can discuss this important concept,” Knowles said. “There is no learning. There is no discussion. This typifies the left.”
College Republicans chairman Isaac Hampton said the organization partnered with Truman’s Funds Allotment Council and the Young America’s Foundation, a national organization which has helped bring speakers to College Republicans events at Truman for the past two years, to bring Knowles to campus.
Hampton said it is good to create an environment on campus where people can talk about conservative ideas, which might not happen in a classroom setting.
“We think it’s a great event — it provides a lot of ideological diversity on campus,” Hampton said. “You may disagree with them, you may think they’re scary, but it’s the open exchange of ideas, and we think it’s important for Truman.”