Conway’s daily newspaper, the Log Cabin Democrat, in its editorial yesterday called UCA’s bid to host a 2008 presidential debate “another example that UCA President Lu Hardin is dedicated to competing with the “big boys.”
“If UCA can get the bid, we think it would be a great thing to expose the high quality of life and educational emphasis on Conway,” the Log Cabin wrote. “It will not only be good for UCA, but a great opportunity for top students at neighboring Hendrix College and Central Baptist College, particularly those with an eye or commitment to law, politics or public service for their careers, to get a first-hand look at the nuts and bolts and realities of politics. It’s also a wonderful teaching opportunity for those at the many fine secondary schools in our community. … We may have a chance to have in our community for a few days some of the best political pundits, reporters and spin doctors in the world. Many will be staying and dining in our community and mingling with our citizens. Imagine a “Nightline” broadcast from Brewer-Hegeman with some of the best and brightest students from our three local colleges reacting to candidates and the debate. Picture the “Today” show or “Good Morning America” having segments in front of the UCA fountain. … Whatever the outcome on the debate location, we salute Hardin for throwing UCA’s hat into the ring.”
