jerry sullivan says the drew peterson case was huge not only because of the media but because of the appeal that goes all the way to the top it's so important because it will go maybe even to the u.s. supreme court based on whether or not the constitution clause would have brought in statements. another big ruling this year the trial against anthony abbate who was caught on tape being a bartender. that was very important to the city because the city is now appraised with the judges. they're going to be able to say there was a natural cover up and in fact they will be able to use that. the city was really hoping that the judge would throw out the verdict. and that they wouldn't be able to cited as precedents. and christopher bond was convicted of killing his wife and three children. the prosecutors in a very meticulous manner were able to put together all kinds of scientific evidence another big one this year at the murder trial for william bell for the man convicted of killing jennifer hudson's family member. people don't even look at whether or not they're going to kill an adult or

[laughter] i would imagine that president sullivan is excited to talk about something else as well. to get started, let me introduce jerrye director of miller center public affairs. [applause] >> thank you, be it. -- thank you, david. welcome to the national press club for the keynote roundtable. the miller center is at its annual meeting on the world economy. i would like to pay special tribute as well to more kaplan, his vision and philanthropy have made this annual conference possible. his commitment to public service has been steadfast through the years, and we are grateful for his abiding friendship. i also want to recognize, as david has, the hard work and dedication of david leblanc, and others who are responsible, as we pointed out, for convening this the best group of scholars, policy makers, and key figures from the private sector. as david highlighted, today's academic session at the washington office, i should point out we examine the full spectrum of issues involved in debates over how skilled immigration. in an effort to refrain current thinking about admissions policies for highly skilled, foreign-born wor