Big stage for BU
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ISSUE: 11/29/07 > NEWS > Big Stage for BU
Belmont University will host the second of three presidential debates on October 7, 2008; it will be the first such event ever held in Tennessee.
“Belmont’s on a roll,” Belmont President Bob Fisher said, referencing the university’s recent accomplishments and accomplished alumni. As he announced the news in the Vince Gill Room, Fisher pulled the curtains open to the Curb Event Center, and the audience stood in applause.
The Commission on Presidential Debates chose Belmont as one of four sites out of 16 others vying for the coveted events. Belmont will host the presidential debate with the town hall format, that is, one with questions from the audience and, for the first time ever, questions sent via e-mail.
“What a great day for Belmont. What a great day for Nashville. What a great day for Tennessee,” Fisher said.
Phil Bredesen, Tennessee’s governor, who learned the news at the press conference, said Tennessee is a perfect place for a presidential debate.
“Tennessee is very much a microcosm of our nation,” Bredesen said. “It’s right in the middle of mainstream American values.” The governor said a candidate who could make a successful pitch here could have the same success in mainstream America.
The debate will be an amazing learning opportunity for the students, Fisher said. The university is planning to rearrange the fall 2008 calendar and create classes to tie in with the debate.
Representatives from Belmont will meet with the Commission on Presidential Debates for details regarding debate attendance, said Greg Pillon, the university’s director of communications.
The CPD, established in 1987, ensures the debates provide the best possible information to viewers and listeners, according to the CPD website. The CPD sponsors and produces debates for the U.S. presidential and vice-presidential candidates and has sponsored all presidential debates since 1988.
Shandus Valentine, a senior at Belmont majoring in psychology, is excited about the debate. “I’ll have graduated, but I’m willing to travel back.”
Belmont’s role in the debate gives the university national attention and adds to recent accomplishments of both the university and its students. These include Christmas at Belmont, which will be shown nationwide on Christmas, as well as alumni triumphs – Melinda Doolittle’s participation in American Idol; Rachel Smith’s Miss U.S.A. crown; Josh Turner’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry; and Brad Paisley’s recent Country Music Association award.
