When Florida Atlantic University ("FAU") opened in Boca Raton in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson delivered the keynote address. On Thursday, January 24th, FAU was once again in the national spotlight, hosting the Republican presidential debate.

Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney took center stage in FAU's Kay Auditorium. Moderators Brian Williams and Tim Russert framed questions to the candidates, which included issues concerning the economy, the war in Iraq, global warming, and even Florida's property insurance crisis. McCain and Romney came across as dignified and presidential, Huckabee as homespun and down to earth, Guiliani as friendly and affable and Paul as out of the mainstream.

Over 1,500 people attended the debate. The attendees included FAU students, individuals supporting various candidates, and a who's who of Florida Republicans - Governor Charlie Crist, Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Representative Connie Mack, and Mayor Steve Abrams, to name a few.

FAU President Frank Brogan spoke to the crowd prior to the debate. He greeted each of the candidates and then left to attend an FAU student watch party, giving up his seats for student use. After the debate several of the candidates also went to meet the students at a watch party.

The debates were FAU's ninety minutes of fame. The professional and competent manner in which the University executed this event should serve to place FAU in a long lasting positive light. Kudos to all the candidates and President Brogan and FAU for their participation in the debate.

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