While surfing the television tonight, I decided to stop fiddling with my remote when I reached CSPAN2. I don’t watch CSPAN2 very often, but somehow seeing a fatter, older former Vice President Al Gore caught my attention. Who knows why, but I decided to tune in. I kept watching and suddenly it shifted over to old presidential candidate Bob Dole. Al Gore and Bob Dole in one room? Well, I obviously stayed tuned to see why. Then, a few minutes later, I saw that this lecture was taking place at none other than Southern Methodist University (SMU), the first university I attended!

I transfered from that university after only three semesters for many reasons which I won’t go into. Despite, one of the most cherishable things that I somewhat miss is SMU’s offering to its students of the Tate Lecture Series. This is a regular series of lectures/debates that offers students a personal chance to meet some of the most high profile people such as former presidents, genius scientists, and other high profile people. During my stay at SMU, I went to see David Gergen moderating Bill Bradley and Jack Kemp as well as Barbara Bush and Professor Stephen Hawking. Professor Hawking looked me straight in the eyes as he passed me on his wheelchair. I think I enjoyed his lecture more than the others even though I couldn’t tell you one thing he said to this day. In fact, I don’t remember what any of those people were talking about when I try to sit down and think about it. I have such a bad memory.

Anyway, I was only able to watch the last 30 minutes of the debate, but the arguments made by both people were very well thought out. I was surprised at what Al Gore said at times but it was interesting to hear both of their takes on today’s issues. If you have cable and have CSPAN2, try to see if you can find the lecture because if you’re interested in the issues they offer a good source of information from both sides of the tracks.

For more information on the Bush and Kerry’s views on some of the issues, check out www.issues2000.org. Yes, it’s current.