The debate may be in question, but Washington University is sure to see its share of political fireworks with Chris Matthews, Michael Moore, and MTV’s Rock the Vote all slated to appear on campus within a week of each other.

Chris Matthews will be on campus first, with the Alumni Association bringing him to speak to students and later alumni for Founder’s Day on Oct. 2. Matthews hosts the nightly political analysis and debate show “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and will anchor MSNBC’s election coverage for the 2004 and 2008 presidential debates.

The Rock the Vote concert will take place in the Brookings Quad from 12-5 p.m. on Oct. 9, the day after the scheduled presidential debate. Rock the Vote is a nonprofit and nonpartisan media partner of MTV that tours college campuses encouraging political activism. A Rock the Vote representative confirmed that musical groups Dan Dyer, Shelly Fairchild, and Wylde Bunch with St. Juste will perform at the concert.

Though the details of his contract have been uncertain for several weeks, Student Union (SU) President David Ader has verified that political instigator Michael Moore has now officially agreed to speak at the Pageant in The Loop on the evening of Oct. 7.

In addition to speaking for Founder’s Day, MSNBC’s Matthews may host a live version of his show “Hardball” from campus.

“That is definitely in the works, and we’re working hard to get that into his contract,” said Ines Tiu from the University’s Alumni and Development Office.

Tiu said that security concerns have prevented Matthews from officially committing.

In the event of a cancellation of the Oct. 8 debate, all of the events scheduled through SU will continue as planned, Ader said.

“Every event we have signed so far is not contingent upon the debate,” said SU Treasurer Jessica Jones of the group’s contracts. She went on to add that, in choosing people and events to come to campus the week of the debate, SU representatives looked for people who “want to support young voters [...] regardless of the debate.”

Ader explained that, ultimately, they have no control over whether or not one of the groups will try to pull out of their contractual agreement. However, “their stated reasons for coming are not just because of the debate.”

University students and faculty alike are nonetheless excited at the opportunity to bring increased political enthusiasm to campus.

“Both sides of the political spectrum should be excited about this,” said freshman Jennifer Hadley. “Democracy doesn’t work if people don’t participate.”

The Founder’s Day afternoon event for students as well as the Rock the Vote concert will be free, while tickets to the Michael Moore event will be available at Edison Theater for $5, although the date of ticket sales has yet to be determined.

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