Rock the Vote with Melinda

From the mothership:

Nashville residents can register to vote at a free concert at Belmont University on Saturday, sponsored by Rock the Vote.

The group's "Road Trip '08" kick-off concert will feature American Idol finalist and Belmont alum Melinda Doolittle, plus performances by local artists. The event kicks off on campus at 2 p.m. Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Cohen: Saint? Sinner? (Neither?)

Here's a clip of U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, on the floor of the House pointing out that Jesus was a community organizer and that Pontius Pilate was a governor.

The Tennessee Republican Party responds thusly:

“Frankly, we’re shocked that Rep. Cohen, a Memphis Democrat who was targeted by vicious anti-Jewish slurs and bigotry during his two successful runs for Congress, would make such idiotic and offensive comments,” said Robin Smith, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “Comparing Gov. Palin to the killer of Christ is simply beyond the pale. Gov. Palin’s strong Christian life and faith are self-evident.”

-- RYAN UNDERWOOD

Programming Note: Off to Hofstra

Just so you know, I'll be headed to this place tomorrow for a week with these guys. The good news is that I'll be bringing you info from Hofstra University, which will hold the final presidential debate eight days after the Belmont debate. I'm curious about their planning, and I'm sure they want to know what to expect based on this week at Belmont. I'll still be updating periodically, and I suspect you'll see some stories from my colleagues. If you have any restaurant suggestions, send them along!

Question of the Day: Who do I call?

We'll be bringing you a question each day from Belmont students and members of the community about different aspects of the debate, and the answer from Belmont. Today's question comes from International Restaurant and Market owner Patti Myint, who wants to know who to call at Belmont with questions on how the debate will affect her business:



A: According to the Belmont Web site, questions about the debate should be directed to Pamela Johnson, Belmont's debate coordinator, at (615) 460-6178, or e-mailed to debate08@mail.belmont.edu.

And of course, you can always contact me!

Have a question about the debate? E-mail Colby Sledge at ccsledge-at-tennessean-dot-com. We may ask to film you asking your question.

BTW: There are no tickets to the debate

I know I've written about this before, but I've received a few e-mails and calls asking where to get tickets to the debate.

The short answer: Unless you are a Belmont student, there are none. Only students will have a shot at whatever tickets come open for them.

Here's Belmont's answer to the same question:

Belmont University is thrilled to have been selected as the site for the 2008 Presidential Town Hall Debate. It is a privilege for us to host this historic event.

The debates are primarily intended for the television viewing audience. Tickets are not available to the general public. Belmont students will be given top priority for any tickets that may be made available to Belmont.

The Belmont debate is the only official Town Hall Debate. Participants asking questions of the candidates will be chosen by the Gallup Organization. Belmont will have no control of the selection of participants.

Some of my friends have come up with the plan that if a Gallup representative calls them, they'll say they have no idea who they're voting for in hopes of being selected (Gallup is choosing about 150 self-described "undecided" Middle Tennesseans for the town hall audience.). This seems dishonest and an affront to the selection process ... and is probably exactly what has happened in previous town hall debates.

And now for something different: Vince Gill to perform at Belmont Mansion fundraiser

It’s not entirely debate-related, but it does involve a member of the Honorary Host Committee, so I’ll count it: Crooner Vince Gill will give an “intimate musical acoustic performance” on Monday as part of a fundraiser to restore Adelicia Acklen’s bedroom at the Belmont Mansion.

The “Moonlight & Ice” fundraiser, which organizers hope will raise $70,000 for the restoration, will be held at Adelicia Park at 900 20^th Avenue South. Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert are $150 for general admission and $350 for VIP seating, which includes a private cocktail party with Gill.

Acklen (1817-1887), who built the Belmont Mansion with husband Joseph in 1853, gave “Moonlight & Ice” parties on nights of the full moon, according to event organizers. The “ice” portion was derived from the ice cubes — a sign of wealth — in pitchers of water for the guests.

General admission tickets are available Davis Kidd Booksellers and the Belmont Mansion, but there are only 250 available. VIP tickets are only available by invitation, so if you didn’t already know about them, you’re probably not one of the 75 people getting them.

Those interested in more information can call 460-5459.

Photos/Video of the Day: Raising the roof

A couple of shots of the media tent at Belmont University on Wednesday. Watch the video below to see the crew pulling up a section of the roof.



(Photos credit: Colby Sledge/The Tennessean)