Former Massachusetts state governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis attracted a large crowd to the Roberts-Dubbs Auditorium on Oct. 18.
Dukakis, a Brookline High School alumnus of the class of 1951, began his speech with his own experience at the school and its impact on his pursuit of public service. Dukakis emphasized the importance of students seeking out public service opportunities for themselves.
Dukakis said that he got into politics because his community, state and country did not fit the vision described in the Constitution.
During the second half of the event, Dukakis answered questions from the audience on topics including his thoughts on the presidential debate, the legalization of Super PACs and the use of medical marijuana.
Headmaster Deborah Holman asked how the school could work to challenge its students’ political views. Dukakis said that the school should bring in more Republicans to speak to students.
After the event, Dukakis said he thought Holman had an important concern.
“It’s very important to get conservatives in here, and give you a chance to spend time with them, listen to them, engage in discussion with them. You just don’t want guys like me,” Dukakis said. “I mean, I love coming here. But the important thing is to expose you to people who can challenge your ideas and make you think.”
The event was organized by the school’s Student Democrats Club.
Junior Jonah Pearl, the club co-director, said that student turnout exceeded his expectations, and that he appreciated the seriousness with which Dukakis took students’ questions.
According to Dukakis, the students in attendance showed greater involvement in political campaigns than when he was a student. He came to the event, he said, simply because he likes talking to young people.
“One of my great goals in life these days is to try to encourage young people to think seriously about politics and public service and to get into this stuff,” Dukakis said. “So if I have an opportunity to talk to a group of young people, I’ll do that. This is pretty special.”
