Clinton: Visit’s value outweighs furor
Clearly, the event was political. But as Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds said in response to a question from The Clarion-Ledger Editorial Board about the incident, it’s difficult for a university – any university – to say “no” to a former U.S. president.
The truth is that political events are routinely held on university campuses and have been for decades. Young Democrats and Young Republicans routinely engage in partisan give-and-take and local, state and national politicians routinely use “legitimate” campus appearances as a bully pulpit for partisan activities.
Having a former U.S. president on a Mississippi college campus is an honor. Former President George H.W. Bush made two visits to Mississippi State University – as president in 1989 for a commencement speech and again in 2000 as a former president to honor the late G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery.
To be sure, the Childers camp used the Ole Miss backdrop for Clinton’s visit as a campaign event. But the value of having students see and hear a former U.S. president – regardless of party allegiance – outweighs the partisan furor.
Clarion Ledger
10/20/10
Magnolia Tribune
