The LEAP Ambassadors have attended more than 60 World Affairs Council events over the past nine years, but for the first time, we were asked to help with an event. The event? A moderated discussion with Senator Ted Cruz on the timely topic of immigration. The moderator? Houston’s own Craig Cohen, host of “Houston Matters.”
We primarily assisted with the pre-event reception, which board members and other contributors were able to attend.
The venue, Curtain Call, was charming, and people poured in for conversation, the chance to meet Senator Cruz, and possibly the impressive wine selection.
As volunteers, we abstained from spirits, and directed people to correct locations…
….took photographs…
…and enjoyed learning about professional event coordination…
…and handed out name tags…
…including one to the guest of honor.
The guests really enjoyed the opportunity to see Senator Cruz and chat with him.
Senator Cruz also took time with some guests to share photos from his phone…
…and, most poignantly, Cruz spent time with Marc and Debra Tice.
Their son, Austin, was working as a journalist in Syria when he was kidnapped in 2012, and he has been missing since that date. The parents believe they have information suggesting that Tice is still alive and the FBI has offered a 1,000,000 reward for his return. Cruz’s time with the Tices appeared to be productive, and the Senator mentioned the Tices and their son during his main speech.
Speaking of which, as the event kickoff approached, we walked with Senator Cruz to the main hall…
…where he and Craig Cohen were welcomed by World Affairs Council Director Maryanne Maldonado…
…and introduced by Director of Programs Ronan O’Malley.
What followed was an impressive and far-reaching discussion about foreign policy. Senator Cruz showed an impressive knowledge of topics, and he was much more moderate in the opinions he expressed than we have previously heard from him.
While he was predictably critical of the Obama Administration, particularly on the Iran deal…
…he was also critical of the Trump administration, particularly in areas of style and diplomacy.
Cruz spent significant time on the main topic of immigration, where promoted increased legal immigration while maintaining his stance against illegal immigration. He spent considerable time discussing his father’s experience in Cuba (where he spent time as a political prisoner) before immigrating to the United States.
Cohen veered from foreign policy for one questions, asking about gun control, and Senator Cruz pointed to his sponsorship of an amendment prohibiting gun sales to convicted criminals. But for the most part, the discussion stayed on topic: foreign policy.
Following the event, Senator Cruz posed with students…
…and we thanked the hosts and headed for dinner.
With much of the night’s discussion on the Middle East, we headed to Mary’Z Mediterranean restaurant, where we enjoyed a sampling of Middle Eastern food, with impressive portions!
Many thanks to the World Affairs Council for hosting such an educational program, and we look forward to our next event!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 