What Do Conservatives Believe?

An evening conversation with Mike Pence and Betsy DeVos 

On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, The Russell Kirk Center made institutional history by hosting nearly 300 leaders, students and educators, friends and supporters at an event featuring a conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

The evening’s theme was “What Do Conservatives Believe?,” spurred in part by the 30th anniversary of Russell Kirk’s popular book, The Politics of Prudence. Held at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in Grand Rapids, the gathering was optimistic in the best sense, engaging the imaginative conservative tradition of Russell Kirk with two of America’s most principled conservative leaders.

The select gallery of photos below captures some the outstanding Grand Rapids crowd seeking to renew conservatism in its theoretical, historical, religious, economic, and educational dimensions. We hope you enjoy the discussion and we’re grateful for your support of the Russell Kirk Center.

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