Presidential debate

"It’s like bringing the Rolling Stones to campus times 100.” \nWhat is it that has IUSA President Betsy Henke so enthused? Why would she sacrifice IU’s chances at having Mick Jagger scream relentlessly into a microphone while hoping his skin stays on his skull (it’s been looking kind of baggy lately)?\nIUSA and Bloomington have submitted a proposal to hold one of the three debates for the 2008 U.S. presidential election at IU. Spending $7,500 on the application (a significant amount of which was paid for by the office of Michael McRobbie), the immediate cost of such a venture would be an estimated $1.3 million, most of which would be shouldered by the University.\nPossible “Team America” references aside, it will surprise few that we are excited about the prospect of such a venture. To hold such an internationally important event at IU would not only be one of the most beneficial academic endeavors IU has held in its history, it would also increase national and international exposure for the University. But that does not mean that we are without concern, both for the economic status of IU and Bloomington and the difficulties associated with holding the event in Bloomington that may hinder our chances.\n$1.3 million is an immediate cost that seems very large. But with the assistance of McRobbie, who claims that if funding is needed it will be available, the University can bear the brunt of this cost. Possible returns from international exposure might also help share the load of the costs. Local expenditures from an estimated influx of 5,000 people, combined media and security, will assist as well.\nAnother concern is that Indiana is not the best venue for a presidential debate considering its strong right-wing bias. But since IU is a liberal hub in the middle of a blood red state, we think that the number of party supporters will be relatively balanced.\nDespite these two issues being relatively simple to cast aside, there are two large hurdles Bloomington faces in its proposal.\nFirst, the size of Bloomington may discourage the national Commission on Presidential Debates from selecting IU. There is a logistical concern that the city will not be able to lodge all those necessary. However, Indianapolis is within legitimate driving distance, and the state’s capital might help share the load.\nSecond, Bloomington has an awful road system. With the maze of one-way streets, stop lights and traffic signs that are our city streets, the number of vehicles such a large event would bring is a scary thought.. Parking for those vehicles will also be a difficult issue.\nSo with these worries in mind, we keep tentative hope that Bloomington will be selected to hold a debate for the 2008 presidential election. And, as Henke said, we would be very glad to give up Mick Jagger for the likes of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Rudolph Giuliani