U. to host Bush-Kerry debate

This is the Prince's April Fools Day article, though this notice does not appear in print.

The first presidential debate between Sen. John Kerry of Massachussets and President George W. Bush will take place in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, on Oct. 5, 2004, University officials announced Wednesday.

At a press conference in Faculty Room, Nassau Hall, President Tilghman said, "We are so pleased to hold this historic event. It reminds us once again that Princeton is in the nation's service, and in the service of all nations."

"This is an opportunity especially for the students of Princeton and the country — our brightest young minds — to challenge the men who want the nation's highest post," she said, giggling. "This is politics, tiger-style."

The development is likely to add even more prestige to the University's profile, as hundreds of media organizations are likely to descend on the campus to cover the first one-on-one exchange between the candidates in Election 2004.

In early September the University will hold a lottery for student tickets in the 1,200 seat auditorium. Forty-seven will be available.

The moderator will be outgoing Provost Amy Gutmann, who plans to return from her presidency at the University of Pennsylvania. "Princeton is a magical place," she said, adding: "I can't think of a better institution to be hosting such an event."

Ralph Nader '55's supporters will hold a protest that he was not invited to the debate.

Asked if denying Nader, one of the University's most public alumni figures, a chance to take part — and if that was inconsistent with her effort to recruit more green-haired students — Tilghman said it wasn't her decision.

"The Federal Elections Commission made the call," she said.

"Ralph Nader is invited to come to talk at the University anytime he wants," she added, pledging to announce his visit well in advance.

There was some surprise that Princeton was chosen as the venue since both candidates hail from Yale. Members of St. A's, Princeton's elusive literary society, have complained that the University is hosting two Skull and Bones boys, but that's a secret.

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The College Republicans and the College Democrats plan rallies for their respective candidates.

"I wonder if the dining halls will be serving French food in honor of Kerry's arrival," campus conservative Evan Baehr '05 said.

But Jay Saxon '06, leader of campus Democrats, replied, "Well maybe we should go out and shoot some deer, Texan style, for Bush's arrival."

Already Public Safety is planning for the event: Federal authorities will be closing all entries into the University, and Joline and Campbell halls in Mathey College will not open until after the event.