This year, Ford was the final speaker at the daylong Perspectives event, which brings in noted figures from around the world. He followed a group that included two possible presidential candidates in the year 2000, Democrat Bill Bradley and Republican Jack Kemp; business consultant and Asian economic expert Chin-Ning Chu; sportscaster and former National Football League star Terry Bradshaw; political columnist and TV commentator George F. Will, and former British Prime Minister John Major.

Chu, a direct descendant of the Ming Dynasty who emigrated to the United States in 1969, brought peals of laughter as she stood in front of the American flag and told the audience she "felt like Gen. George S. Patton." She also captivated many with her assessment of the world economy, particularly the troubles in Asia and her prediction that the region would recover.

"I have to tell you, don't give up on Asia," she said. Chu was followed by Bradshaw, the former Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback: two-time Super Bowl most valuable player and current television analyst.