Karl Rove is now giving tours of the White House

Karl Rove, senior political adviser to President George W. Bush, took a crowd of more than 500 through a virtual tour of the White House yesterday at Mount Union College.

Rove spoke for about 45 minutes about the rich presidential history of the White House.

"I'm really here to talk about presidential leadership," Rove said. Slides behind Rove showed images of the Oval Office, Abraham Lincoln's bedroom and the East Room. Rove described the impact that former presidents, such as George Washington and Lincoln, had on the White House. He noted how Thomas Jefferson used to hang his laundry to dry in the East room, and how Ronald Reagan made an addition for the presidential desk in order to make it stand taller.

"Presidents must keep the office and the country strong," Rove said. "I have been at the White House for 2,280 days and counting. I have seen a lot."

Rove went on to describe the reaction of world leaders and diplomats upon entering the Oval Office.

"Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, walked through those doors and his first words were 'Oh my God.' Every room is filled with significant history," he said.

Rove's visit to the campus was also surrounded by speculation and rumors. Many of the students didn't even know he was speaking until yesterday morning.

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Rove discusses U.S. history, war (Canton Repository)