Card's grandmother was a suffragette, and had a major impact on Card going into public service for a career--in her dying words to Card she told him to stay involved.

"She told me that if people don't participate, our democracy will die," Card said. "She left me with a most wonderful curse--the curse of participation."

Card used his speech to encourage KSG graduates to enter the political field.

"How many of you say 'I want my son or daughter to be a politician?'" Card asked parents in the crowd. "I hope you all will."

While Card spoke in general about political participation, he also made references to areas that he thought could be improved in the American political system, such as shortening the process for getting officials approved by the U.S. Senate so that government can immediately "take on the personality and direction" of the new administration.

"In President Bush's administration, we will not have all nominees in place for almost a year," Card said. "The process is cumbersome, and delays the experience we have to have for management of the executive branch. I do think that process has to change."

Card also explained his respect for the office of the presidency--he got his start in national politics in President Ronald Reagan's administration and later served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Secretary of Transportation for President George H. W. Bush.