Both Gingrich and Sharpton noted that they differ on a number of issues but sounded similar themes in their remarks. "There must be some things that we can put partisan and ideological ideas aside for -- and that's our children," Sharpton said. Gingrich added: "If you're going to get this kind of change, it can't be Democrat vs. Republican, left vs. right."

Also speaking were Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Education Sec. Margaret Spellings. Most of the ideas of the discussion were ones Americans have heard for decades now: kids need to focus more on math and science; parents need to be more involved; we're in a race with the children in foreign nations.

Still, the crowd was overwhelmingly approving of the program. Sharpton received multiple standing ovations from the partisan crowd. "It was energizing," said Sharon Culbreth of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Culbreth was so impressed, she said she wanted to pass out Sharpton's speech to the Republican women's meeting she will attend later today.