O’Connor Institute Distinguished Speakers Series Features Author of ‘Tip and the Gipper’

Chris Matthews, author and host of MSNBC’s Hardball, spoke March 21 at the O’Connor Institute Distinguished Speakers Series luncheon on the topic of his bestselling book Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked. Matthews, chief of staff for former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, fascinated the audience with remarkable “behind the scenes” stories from the Reagan era. The event was held at the Camelback Golf Club.

Humorous and poignant anecdotes were followed by an insightful question-and-answer session with O’Connor Institute Board Chairman Peter M. Hayes, who ironically was a senior advisor to House Minority Leader John J. Rhodes during the same period, and who worked with Matthews on Capitol Hill.

Guests received a copy of the book to take home.

PHOTOS COURTESY O’CONNOR INSTITUTE

Gay Wray and Peter Hayes

Peter Hayes, Former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor, Brian Day O’Connor and Bob McGregor

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman and Chris Matthews

Kathy Petsas, Nanci Bruner and Lynn Love