FOX's Malkin speaks at Kimmel

Conservative pundit Michelle Malkin stepped into NYU's liberal arena last night. But it was in a safe haven of Republican values.

The event, hosted by the NYU College Republicans at the Kimmel Center's Eisner and Lubin Auditorium, began after Malkin had signed books in a private event hosted by the College Republicans.

Club president Michael Collins introduced Malkin and described the evening as a celebration for conservatives.

Malkin, best known for her work as a conservative blogger and contributor to Fox News, spoke about her latest book, "Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies." The book — which spent six weeks on top of The New York Times bestseller list — examines corruption in the Obama White House.

Among those who attended were members of the New York Young Republicans and College Republicans from a number of universities around the state.

"It will be a nice opportunity to see a conservative speaker at a liberal university," Collins said before the event. "I think that NYU will benefit because it's not a view that's often heard."

The club's treasurer Sagar Vachhani thought the event would generate strong opinions.

"Because she is talking about the Obama administration, people in the audience will have strong opinions on it one way or another," Vachhani said. "Because these are her views, there will be some people who agree and disagree."

During the event, Malkin offered her views on corruption in the Obama administration and stated that she has always been consistent with calling out both political parties. She also shared a number of anecdotes describing her various efforts to increase transparency in politics.

The College Republicans said the event was an overall success and that Malkin's appearance marked an important occasion for the NYU community.

"She's a polarizing figure, and this will naturally bring discussion among the different political factions at NYU," Vachhani said.

Below are the reactions of several members of the NYU community who attended the event. 

"Michelle Malkin is a bit polemic, but I think she does a great service by shedding light on the corrupt government today. So I say she serves a pretty good purpose, if her message is a bit 'straight right line.' "

— CAS sophomore Kathleen McCaffrey

"I think she's an important voice and I really look forward to hearing what she has to say. The title of her book is very provocative. Politics being not corrupt is a bit of a oxymoron, but it's just interesting to hear what she has to say and what the Democrats have to say."

— NYU administrator Lev Tsitirm

"I find her politically interesting but somewhat abrasive. Overall I do like her; she's not my favorite commentator, but I came because I figured it'd be pretty rare that we get a conservative commentator here at NYU."

— CAS freshman Katherine Costanzla

"She's entertaining. I came here for the entertainment."

— CAS sophomore Sruti Ramadugu

"I've actually seen her on television. I think she's a very eloquent and very great speaker, and I want to see what she has to say because there have been some new political developments, especially the health care plan. I haven't seen her comment on that. She was commenting on Obama's election more when I saw her, so I'm just curious."

— LSP sophomore Evelyn Tam

"I didn't really know about her. I was just kind of interested in what her viewpoints were. I hear that she's kind of controversial, a little bit, and a lot of people don't really know necessarily what she has to say."

— CAS junior David Zandi