Ventura Visits Harvard

At Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts Thursday, students are still talking about a speech at HarvardÂ's Kennedy School of Government by Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.

"HeÂ's not the traditional Democrat or Republican that we normally bring to the forum," Marc Stad, chairman of the projects committee that booked the governor, told CBS This Morning Co-Anchor Mark McEwen. "He adds spice. Students wanted to see him."

Ventura found himself defending comments made to Playboy magazine, an interview in which the former professional wrestler called religion a "crutch for the weak-minded" and said fat people are overweight because they "can't push away from the table."

Ventura, who later signed copies of the magazine, told students he doesn't worry about being politically incorrect.

"I think the war on drugs is a miserable failure," Ventura told students during his speech.

Responding to the governor's comments, Missy Langsam, Vice-President of the Harvard-Radcliffe Republican club said, "I think the war on drugs has been a failure. I think a lot of people would agree. ItÂ's important that we do keep on fighting drugs. ThereÂ's no reason to legalize them."

Joe Sanberg, president of the Harvard-Radcliffe College Democrats said, "The reason most folks disagree with Governor Ventura is our laws set a statement about what is right and wrong. It sends a message to young people. I think we need to continue to fight the war on drugs."

The former professional wrestler also spoke his mind about the ongoing debate over guns.

"I believe the Second Amendment is misinterpreted quite often," Ventura said. "It was written to protect the citizenry from an oppressive government. If government ever became oppressive, we would have the right to bear arms and the right to battle our government."

"I couldnÂ't disagree more with the governor," Sanberg said. "We have had a tremendous amount of tragedies in this country in the past year. People are concerned about gun violence. I donÂ't think the governor speaks on behalf of mainstream Americans when he says that."

"I think that gun control is a regional issue," Langsam said. "I think a lot of the northeastern members of our club would side with a lot of people who are in favor of gun control. And a lot of people who are from the west would probably like a lot of what Ventura said."

Despite the controversial issues raised during the speech, Stad said he was pleased with the event's outcome.

"Hundreds were able to see him," Stad said. "HeÂ's someone who redefines the traditional mold, who goes against the grain. He doesnÂ't look like the typical politician. Nonetheless, people want to see him."

The governor, who himself only briefly attended North Hennepin Community College, said he was flattered by the invitation to speak at Harvard by an student advisory comittee.

"If you had asked me at any point in my life if I'd be at Harvard talking politics I would have laughed at you," Ventura said.