Thinking Out Loud

Young, reform-minded professionals are finding a home at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, with the launch of its Young Leaders Circle. The group, which has more than 100 members in their 20s and 30s, has been gathering since January for after-work cocktail parties politely interrupted by a guest speaker and question-and-answer period. Journalist David Brooks kicked off the series. At the April gathering Wednesday, the editor of the Weekly Standard, William Kristol, spoke about the 2008 presidential election and American foreign policy in Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Future speakers include a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Peter Huber; "20/20" correspondent John Stossel, and the editor of RealClearPolitics.com, John McIntyre. "When I read about the Young Leaders, it was exactly what I wanted to do," an entrepreneur, Thomas Hayes-- who is considering a future in politics -- said. "I enjoy the association with like-minded people interested in policy and larger-scale ideas." Mr. Hayes graduated from Columbia College 12 years ago. "In a sea of liberality, this is a lighthouse," a banker, Doug Famigletti, said. "We've found that the people here are genuinely engaged in conservative ideology,' a Marvel Comics executive, Rob Steffens, said of himself and wife. Some attendees at the event Wednesday compared the meetings to the New Criterion's parties. "The New Criterion is more intellectual, artistic," an investor, Avik Roy, said. "Here there's more focus on practical politics and less discussion of Nietzsche." Membership in the group costs $250; advisory committee members pay $1,000. Members are predominantly in finance and banking, though there are some writers and gallery assistants too. "The group is about introducing people to the Manhattan Institute," the institute's executive director of communications, Lindsay Young Craig, said. "You get so caught up in your job, it's good to come and talk about something other than work," Adam Stevenson, who works in finance, said. Mr. Kristol asked attendees which Republican presidential candidate they would vote for. Most raised their hands for Mayor Giuliani, with Governor Romney a close second.