By Erica Balnkenship
Students on the University of Louisville Belknap Campus on Monday, Oct. 18 may have noticed an abundance of political signs and television cameras. The MSNBC show “Hardball” with Chris Matthews was filmed in front of Grawemeyer Hall. For this episode, Matthews interviewed United States Senate candidate Jack Conway, the Democrat opposing Republican candidate Rand Paul. This race has received national attention since its inception.
The “Hardblogger,” the official blog for the TV show, stated on Oct. 15 that Matthews would hit the college circuit. Throughout his tour of college campuses, Matthews visited Temple University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, in addition to U of L. According to the blog, visiting colleges around the country is not a new concept for Matthews. He has been participating in college tours since 1999, interviewing political candidates and elected officials.
“There’s nothing like getting out there with real American young people, with all their hope and dreams and vulnerability,” said Matthews on his blog after the conclusion of the tour. “They don’t have it made but, boy, do they have wonder in their eyes.”
The crowd of students and community members gathered for the taping was energetic and lively. The audience was a sea of signs stating slogans such as “The Ville Loves Chris Matthews,” mixed in with the traditional Rand Paul and Jack Conway campaign signs.
During the taping of the show, much of the conversation between Matthews and Conway revolved around the previous night’s debate between Conway and Paul. This debate took place on U of L’s campus, in Bigelow Hall, and received much media attention for its heated nature. Clips from the debate and from each candidate’s television advertisements were played during the show, receiving both boos and cheers from audience members.
The taping of “Hardball” on campus made an impact on the students who were able to attend.
“I thought it was amazing that we were chosen” said Jonathan Michael, a sophomore biology major. “[It] gives Kentucky a national boost.”
According to Michael, Matthews was fair in his treatment of Conway, holding him accountable, something Michael feels more politicians should have.
Some students were interviewed by Matthews, giving them a taste of his hard-hitting style.
“‘Hardball’ was a very interesting experience, especially being interviewed,” said Sirena Wurth, a sophomore political science and communication double major. “It was unique – something I’ll remember for a long time.”
No matter the response, “Hardball” gave U of L students the opportunity to see inside the world of politics, allowing them to generate questions for Conway and participate in the political discussion.
