Ole Miss Official Says Debate Cancellation Would be 'Devastating'

Source: ABC News

ABC News' Tahman Bradley Reports: A senior University of Mississippi official reacted Wednesday to the news that Sen. John McCain R-Ariz., wants to postpone Friday's presidential debate, saying that such a move would be "devastating" for the university which has already invested millions in preparation for the debate.

Andrew Mullins, special assistant to university Chancellor Robert Khayat, told ABC News that the Ole Miss campus has been transformed to accommodate the candidates and the press. Road blocks are in place on campus and in the community and the debate television set for the candidates has already been constructed. He said the university has spent roughly five and half million dollars getting ready for the debate.

Mullins also noted that if the Commission on Presidential Debates asks the campus to hold the debate at a later date, he is not sure the university would be able to accommodate them.

"It's huge. You cannot just say that you're not going to do this thing," Mullins said. "I don't have any idea whether we do the debate" at a later date. "(We) probably wouldn't do it."

Read more: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/ole-miss-offici.html

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To take a stand for the economy and skipping the debate would hurt Ole Miss's economy.

matter more?

n/t

Unbelievable. What an entitlement complex this man has to be able to just thumb his nose at a commitment this large - not just his own commitment, but the huge outlay of cash and effort on the part of others. Sadly, it probably won't occur to him or his people to think about it until it's pointed out. Does he think an event of this magnitude just appears out of thin air? What an absolute and utter tool.

I feel so sorry for the people at Ole Miss right now. I'm glad Obama has decided there will be a town hall if little Johnny No-Show can't be bothered to make an appearance. At least one responsible adult can be counted on to honor his commitments. Sheesh.

If Johnny does appear it would generate millions for the university. I don't know for certain.

the McCain Campaign and the Republican Party for the loss of the cost of doing, if McCain bombs out. Also on another note...is this a public university and if so, what the fuck are spending 5.5 millions on this for. Make the two campaigns for it! Or the National party's.

If McCain isn't going to show up....then Obama should invite Warren Buffet, Bob Rubin, Bob Reich...et al to talk about the economy. How's that for power play!!! And all that FREE airtime to talk about the Dems view of how the economy must work for ALL citizens. Beautiful. PLEASE SPREAD THIS TO GET TO THE DEMS and OBAMA CAMPS!

How in the world do you spend that much for one evening?

I have done some huge events, and never spent 20% of that amount.

Is security part of the cost? Lodging for everyone involved? It's a big price tag. McIdiot should go through with this.

As someone who has planned much smaller events, there is so much that goes into these things. So many people worked a lot of hours to make this happen. It is devastating to work for nothing. I hope Obama can do a town hall or something if McTantrum bails.

I mean, could there be a silver lining in McPain's grandstanding?

He sure wasn't kidding when he said he understood nothing about economics.