Robin:
I agree that the choice of Bill Clinton sends the wrong message. The odds of a conservative being invited are indeed small (although it would be refreshing).
Even if you leave out the association with Hillary, he's got tons of baggage. You'd think that some womens' groups would be up in arms about his selection. Have to wonder what he's charging the AIA - how much of our dues are being spent on Slick Willy's appearance? Hillary gets $200K per speech.
What if there was a "ground rule" for AIA Keynote Speakers that prevented the choice from being a politician of any stripe?
There are many other inspirational figures who might be invited, for instance, a well-respected artist or sculptor, a tech person who's on the bleeding edge of technology, or, ....who knows, it might even be a Starchitect? Didn't they have Santiago Calatrava give a presentation once?
I know that I, personally, would not be inspired by having a politician be the Keynote Speaker.
Thanks for bringing this up for discussion!
-------------------------------------------
Brian Hawkins AIA
Principal
Brian J. Hawkins, Architect, PC
Medford OR
-------------------------------------------