An animated crowd of students and community members gathered at the foot of the Rotunda last night to show support for Republican incumbent Sen. George Allen and Democratic challenger Jim Webb during a live broadcast of Tucker Carlson's MSNBC program, "Tucker."
Carlson's appearance at the University was part of the network's daylong focus on the upcoming elections. Correspondents also reported live yesterday from 11 other states with close political races.
Carlson said in an interview prior to the show that he chose to broadcast his show from Charlottesville because he thinks the Senate race is one of the most interesting races this year.
"If the Republicans lose here, it's over," Carlson said, noting that this possibility has attracted national interest in the race.
Carlson said he personally has "mixed feelings" about the two candidates, noting that he sides with Webb's stance on the Iraq War, yet prefers Allen's position on social issues such as abortion.
Carlson said he has been "shocked" by the focus of this race thus far.
"I really expected it to be about Iraq, not macaca," Carlson said, noting that the contest should be "a great showdown" due to the candidates' differing views on the war.
Throughout the broadcast, the College Republicans and University Democrats created a lively atmosphere, jostling with their campaign signs for prime positions in front of the camera.
"We want to show that U.Va. is Webb country," UDems President Katie Cristol said, commending the political participation of the many students present.
College Republicans chair Amber VerValin said members of her group demonstrated that there are students supporting the Republican candidate.
During the show, Carlson discussed a number of political races with several guests, including University politics Prof. Larry Sabato, Rev. Al Sharpton and Republican strategist Mary Matalin.
The majority of Carlson's broadcast focused on races outside Virginia, including those in Ohio, Tennessee and New York.
Sabato commented on a few of the contests, noting that gubernatorial elections could prove particularly important for the 2008 presidential race.
Sabato said gubernatorial races in states such as Ohio will "matter for 2008 more than the congressional elections which receive all the attention," as governors have significant influence over state-level operatives.
Sabato added that he believes 2006 will be a good year for Democrats.
"There's a cycle to everything in life, including politics, and it's the Democrats' turn," he said.
Following the broadcast, second-year College student Gary Lawkowski said he hopes the publicity from the event will bring attention to the University and will attract important speakers to Grounds.
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