Via
In the September issue of The Atlantic, James Fallows predicted, as he does every four years, that the upcoming presidential debates have the makings of epic showdowns of political vim and policy vigor. But let’s be honest, there’s just as much a chance as the three debates between President Obama and Mitt Romney have the potential to be epic snoozefests as two guys do their damndest to pander to the middle.
Bo-ring.
Good thing there’s a debate in a couple weeks we can all look forward to. On October 6, at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, the acerbically brilliant Jon Stewart will match wits with the irascibly loud Bill O’Reilly, for “The Rumble in The Air-Conditioned Auditorium.” The 90-minute debate, tickets for which go on sale today at 11 a.m., will feature the hosts of The Daily Show and The O’Reilly Factor bickering about the same issues that daunt Obama and Romney, but presumably in a much more fun and excitable manner.
E.D. Hill, an anchor at CNN, will moderate the contest between the Comedy Central and Fox News Channel hosts.
“I believe this will be a very enjoyable night for fans of our programs, political junkies, partisans and people who just enjoy yelling,” Stewart said in a news release.
“How can I get out of it?” O’Reilly asked.
The Lisner Auditorium holds 1,490. For the expected thousands who will be shut out, the producers of the debate will offer a live video stream for $4.95. Half the proceeds from the online broadcast and live ticket sales will be donated to a variety of charities, according to the event’s press release.
At the Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW. Tickets $75-100, $25 for students. Available here. Live video stream $4.95. Available here.
Watch Stewart on The O’Reilly Factor in May 2011:
