GOOOOOOO GATORS! 73 > 57 woohoo bump for Ann.
Thanks for the ping.
Article published Apr 5, 2006
Coulter's visit to UF may start a stir on campus
Known for her disdain of all things liberal, political commentator Ann Coulter's visit to the University of Florida tonight already has some students cringing.
"I'm not opposed to listening to Republicans, it's just that she disgusts me," said Stephanie Sims, president of UF's College Democrats.
She may give Democrats a sour stomach, but Coulter has emerged as a hero to some conservatives. Author of "How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)," Coulter is a frequent guest on political television programs like "Hannity and Colmes" and "HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher."
Her speech tonight is sponsored by Accent, UF's student-operated speakers bureau. Evan Tyroler, chairman of Accent, said the selection committee was well aware Coulter might start a stir on campus, which is in part why she was invited.
"Accent's goal is to spark debate and controversy on campus," Tyroler said.
Coulter has created her share of controversy, most notably in a column she wrote shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"We know who the homicidal maniacs are," she wrote. "They are the ones cheering and dancing right now. We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity."
Coulter was fired by the National Review Online after the column ran.
Accent has invited other guests who've been poorly received by Republicans, as well. The group invited filmmaker Michael Moore, a vocal critic of the Bush administration, in 2004. Most recently, Accent paid $15,000 to host Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who lambasted President Bush's environmental policies.
Matt Dean, executive director of the College Republicans, said it was refreshing to see Accent invite a more conservative speaker to strike a political balance. But Dean said he also had mixed feelings about Coulter.
"I agree with most of her views - 99 percent of them," he said. "I just don't like the way she presents them."
Coulter has appeared in Gainesville before, addressing the Alachua County Republican Executive Committee at a barbecue in October.
Accent has a $370,000 annual budget, $32,000 of which will go toward Coulter's speech, travel and lodging.
Jack Stripling can be reached at 374-5064 or Jack.Stripling@gvillesun.com
FYI: If you go
- WHAT: Ann Coulter speech
- WHEN: 8 tonight, (Doors open at 7:15 p.m.)
- WHERE: Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- COST: Event is free and open to public, but seating is limited
