The 2004 presidential election and its outcome was the focus of former senator, professional basketball player and former Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley's speech Friday.

"Bill Bradley is known for his hard work and is proof that you can accomplish much while remaining true to your values and living in a ethical manner," said Doug Roberts, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, who sponsored his speech. "And, because he ran for president, he can give us a little more insight on the election."

Bradley, who lost to Al Gore in the 2000 primaries, outlined several forces that influenced President Bush's win.

"When we talk about the election, we know the election didn't take place in a vacuum," Bradley said. "Clearly, the world is changing dramatically, and under these conditions the election took place."

Bradley said globalization, terrorism and technological change have changed the way people vote, and no president would ever be able to keep people completely safe from terrorism, but people voted for Bush because they thought he would fight terrorism more than former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

"President Bush had a clear strategy that fit these forces," Bradley said. "He said, I will protect you better than he will protect you."

He added that Bush should take a path of trying to keep Republicans happy and push his agenda, or try and create a legacy for himself.

"To leave a legacy, he's got to try to help solve the problems in America today," Bradley said.

Bradley also talked about how technological change has affected society, namely social security.

He said new technology that increased the life span of the average American has affected how much money in payments will be needed in the coming years.

"Technological change has unintended consequences," he said.

Although his speech was mainly about politics, Bradley did briefly mention his career in the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks, referencing the time he spent "running around in short pants in drafty arenas."

After his speech, Bradley took questions from audience members, one of whom asked if he would consider running for president in 2004.

"When you lose an election you have a couple of choices," Bradley said. "You can start over and run again, or you can take a little vacation.

"I'm just sorry I didn't win in 2000; it would have saved us a lot of problems."

Geoff Riek, a 2002 MSU graduate who was a member of Students for Bill Bradley in 2000, said he came to see Bradley because he wanted to hear him speak in person.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for him," Riek said. "I think his views and ideas need to be embraced by people in the United States of America."