University of Wisconsin College Republicans hosted radio talk show host Vicki McKenna Wednesday evening to explain how conservatives can make a name for themselves.

After earning her degree in communism at Beloit College, McKenna pursued graduate studies in applied Marxism at the University of Denver. Currently, her radio show, the “Vicki McKenna Show,” explores her transition from a communist to a conservative.

McKenna emphasized the need of conservatives, particularly students, to defend their viewpoints.

“We use ‘campaign speech,’ a soft, non-committal form of speech, and that substitutes for defending conservatism,” McKenna said.

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McKenna suggested political media coverage is becoming more liberal, and it has become more than a political battle between liberals and conservatives, but an ideological battle that goes beyond the ballot box.

Since people are consuming this more liberal news, their ideologies are changing which is negatively affecting society, McKenna said.

“It’s not going to stay good unless you are there to pick up that flame, and maybe even that pitchfork sometimes, and stand up and be willing to be countered and criticized,” McKenna said.

McKenna emphasized conservatives need not be afraid of defending topics they may receive backlash from liberals. Conservatives need to define their terms, explain why they may disagree with the other side and use data to support their argument.

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College Republicans member Alec Bukowiec asked how students can defend their political views when professors insert their political opinions in class.

“Go up to your professor after class and say, ‘I thought that was inappropriate. I don’t know why you felt it necessary,’” McKenna said.