Jackson Free Press

At a press conference that just concluded at the University of Mississippi, Gov. Haley Barbour said that the debate is happening Friday night, as far as he is concerned: "It's going to be a great debate tomorrow night ... we're excited about it and that the state gets to host it."

After Chancellor Robert Khayat introduced the governor, Barbour said he heard nothing from the John McCain campaign to indicate that the debate was not happening: "I expect there to be a debate tomorrow night between two candidates for president. ... I don't have any information y'all don't have."

To hear Barbour, it would be hard to guess that the world is waiting to see if McCain will honor his commitments to Missisisppi, but Barbour seemed confident that he would. "It's a great day for all of MIsissippi, and we're very glad you're here," he told reporters.

"I don't have any inside information, and haven't sought any."

In response to reporters' questions, Barbour essentially repeated the same optimistic statement that debate will go on as planned, resisting questions about the politics of the situation: I knew what my role was as chairman of Republican Party, and I know my role today as the governor of the state of Mississippi ... . We're prepared."

Khayat started the press conference by outlining the high volume of expenses and preparation months that have gone into the debate. "We expect the debate to be tomorrow night at 8 o'clock. We expect that based on the commitments we've all made to each other," Khayat said.

Before addressing the debate standoff, Barbour urged visiting reporters to write stories about the state, beyond the debate, and go to the state's Web site for ideas. He talked about Toyota making the Prius starting in 2010, and General Electric cutting the ribbon on a facility 20 miles away in Batesville. And, he said, "We're very proud of how Mississippi responded" to Katrina.

Previous Commentsshow

Barbour and Khayat seemed to be sending a very strong message to McCain: Get your ass down here.

DonnaLadd

Sep 25 2008

oh yeah!!!

Izzy

Sep 25 2008

Also notice that Barbour provided McCain *no* cover. Not one word about the financial crisis or the bailout. He just kept saying that the debate would happen, and between the two presidential candidates. I'm rather proud of him right now.

DonnaLadd

Sep 25 2008

me, too, ladd, he's standing up for us

Izzy

Sep 25 2008

It's as if McCain has no consideration for what this state has gone through since Katrina. We're a small state, and this kind of thing costs a lot of money. It's also important to students, and small business owners, and even people who were likely to vote for him. Gov. Winter had it right when he said that McCain wouldn't do it in Michigan, a state he doesn't take for granted. I suspect he's made a lot of enemies here, even if he actually shows up and fulfills his obligation to the American people and Mississippians. Putting everyone in suspended animation like this, making restaurant owners wonder what to do with all the food and the like, is bad enough.

DonnaLadd

Sep 25 2008

Semi-hijacking, here--Jackson folks, please know that the Great Debate Party we have planned for Friday night at Hal & Mal's (co-sponsored by the legendary JFP!) is STILL ON, and will be on whether Gramps shows in Oxford or not. Spread the word!

David McCarty

Sep 25 2008

It is still on. Oh, and CNN just called to get details on it. They may cover it; they called me last week for stuff going on around the state, and I told them about it.

DonnaLadd

Sep 25 2008

senator Mccain,the debate must proceed and you need to be in Oxford.I remind you that 46 years ago,on september 30,1962,on national tv from the White House, President Kennedy spoke to the students and faculty of Ole Miss,and the people of Mississippi,after a bloody day in the grove,and may have given us one of the most important patriotic addresses.I encourage you to listen to his speech,via the link below,and discern from it why we need you on stage tomorrow,vigorously debating the first African American party nominee.help us in mississippi close the circle.we know you can do it. http://www.jfklibrary.org/Historical+Resources/Archives/Reference+Desk/Speeches/JFK/003POF03Mississippi09301962.htm

chimneyville

Sep 25 2008