Yet another Democratic presidential debate happens tonight, this time at Howard University. Contender John Edwards began preparing for the event last month by booking a pre-debate fund-raiser at coffee shop-cum-event space Busboys and Poets on 14th and V Streets (walking distance from the university). Kicking off at 6:45, the $250-a-head event is expected to draw more than 100 attendees in the venue’s Langston room. An open bar is on tap, and menu items include skewered chicken, falafel balls, fruit and cheese, hummus, and vegetables crudités.
As the Reliable Source ladies reported this morning, the fervor surrounding Busboys and Poets (for today at least) could be comparable to Café Milano, since not one but three candidates showed interest in booking an event there tonight. We confirmed with a manager that Hillary Clinton’s people booked a post-debate party and then canceled, likely fearing that Edwards groupies would still be hanging about. Joe Biden’s camp also inquired about hosting a debate-watching party at the space. When asked if he could have accommodated all three parties, Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal told Reliable Source, "If they don’t mind it, we don’t."Tonight’s debate, moderated by PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley, marks the first time the presidential candidates will be questioned by an all-minority panel of journalists. Among the confirmed are Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson. Dubbed the "All American Presidential Democratic Forum," the debate will begin at 9 p.m. in Howard’s Cramton Auditorium, a venue that seats 1,508. According to Black College Wire, seating for Howard students is limited, but the debate is being aired (for free) in the adjacent Burr Gymnasium.
As the Reliable Source ladies reported this morning, the fervor surrounding Busboys and Poets (for today at least) could be comparable to Café Milano, since not one but three candidates showed interest in booking an event there tonight. We confirmed with a manager that Hillary Clinton’s people booked a post-debate party and then canceled, likely fearing that Edwards groupies would still be hanging about. Joe Biden’s camp also inquired about hosting a debate-watching party at the space. When asked if he could have accommodated all three parties, Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal told Reliable Source, "If they don’t mind it, we don’t."Tonight’s debate, moderated by PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley, marks the first time the presidential candidates will be questioned by an all-minority panel of journalists. Among the confirmed are Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson. Dubbed the "All American Presidential Democratic Forum," the debate will begin at 9 p.m. in Howard’s Cramton Auditorium, a venue that seats 1,508. According to Black College Wire, seating for Howard students is limited, but the debate is being aired (for free) in the adjacent Burr Gymnasium.
