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AU in the News

Showcasing AU programs, professors, students and alumni in the news
Week of January 26 - February 1

Barack Obama Speaks in Bender Arena
On Monday, Jan. 28, Illinois Senator and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama spoke in Bender Arena. Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, Jr., appeared along Sen. Obama at the event. The appearance of the Kennedy family members at this speech generated national and international news media interest. Multiple cable and television stations covered the speech, some carrying it live, and thousands of print and online news stories briefly mentioned that the speech was held on the university campus. (1/29/08) **Please note: as a tax-exempt, non-profit insitution, this event was not sponsored or endorsed by the university.

Green on the Campus
Many colleges are making an effort to promote a greener campus. But do these college communities have the will to push the ideas, Inside HigherEd asked experts and students. Student activism should be a driving force behind the change, said William Suter, director of facilities management at American University. Suter also pointed out that some of American University has several green initiatives, including a bike-sharing program and transforming campus vehicles to biodiesel and hybrid models. (02/01/08)

Phil Bender Day
Though more than 3,000 students came to Bender Arena to watch the Eagles play rival Holy Cross, the game was not the only reason for the excitement among the crowds. Students came out in droves for Phil Bender Day, a highly celebrated six-year-old annual tradition created by a group of students to liven up one game a year, reports The washingtonpost.com. “Sometimes we have a bit of trouble filling up all the stands; during Phil Bender we just hope we don't break the fire codes," said Josh Kaplan, a leader of the Blue Crew student fan group. "It's kind of legendary." (1/26/08)

The Impact of the Young Vote
In 2008, young voters appear to be more energized than ever before, but many pundits question whether that energy will continue long enough to have an impact on the election, reports the Associated Press. “I don't think they will turn out at the same rate that they did in 2004, partly because George Bush isn't running, but that's just reading early tea leaves,” says Curtis Gans, director of American University's Center for the Study of the American Electorate. “It's just too early to tell what they'll do.” This article appeared in 27 news outlets. (1/29/08)

Is the Campaign Process Too Long?
In the midst of a presidential campaign that was first launched in December 2006, voters are beginning to view the campaign as a long, complicated process, Voice of American TV reports. However, according to Candice Nelson, chair of the Department of Government at American University, a lengthy campaign gives voters the chance to thoroughly analyze candidates. “We have freedom of expression. There are no limits that can be placed on when campaigns start. So that makes them longer and longer,” she said. (1/29/08)

Edwards, Giuliani Exit the Presidential Race
When news broke that John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the presidential race on the same day, CBS political consultant and executive in residence Dotty Lynch offered her analysis in an online chat for washingtonpost.com. “These candidates have egos and feelings. They spent a lot of time and money running AGAINST the others and it takes some time to 'get over it,’” said Lynch. “Giuliani is an exception. I think he has known for a while that Florida was not going to work for him and had decided to back McCain if McCain won the primary.” (1/30/08)

Marketers vs. Advocacy Groups
During last year's Super Bowl, General Motors received numerous complaints from mental health advocacy groups for their Super Bowl ad featuring a suicidal robot. This year, marketers are walking a thin line in an effort to avoid any repeat advertising hazards, reports USA Today. Advocacy groups may also have motives to latch on to the high profile advertising opportunity that the Super Bowl provides, according to Kathryn Montgomery, who directs the Project on Youth, Media and Democracy at American University. “The Super Bowl has become so important that it permeates the culture,” she said. “That's why advertisers and advocacy groups love it.” (1/28/08)

Government Privilege Abuse?
With increases in the use of the state secrets privilege by the U.S. government, critics believe the Bush administration has used the practice excessively, particularly in relation to the dismissal of civil lawsuits and the use of warrantless wiretaps, reports the Washington Post. Congress should provide more oversight of its use, said Amanda Frost, an assistant professor at American University's Washington College of Law, adding that the Bush administration, "Has raised the privilege with greater frequency than ever before, and has more often sought to remove cases entirely from judicial dockets." (1/29/08)

AU in the News Archives