MSNBC's ‘Hardball' Comes to North Carolina Central University
HBCU serves as backdrop, as presidential contender faces tough questions

DURHAM, N.C.

North Carolina Central University basked in the national limelight earlier this month when political talk show host Chris Matthews brought his MSNBC's "Hardball College Tour" to the campus. The live broadcast featured fast-talking Matthews' tough questions to presidential contender Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., on war with Iraq, affirmative action, gun control and more.

NCCU Chancellor James Ammons said the entire campus was excited about the live national broadcast. He was delighted that NCCU was the first historically Black college or university to be chosen on the "Hardball College Tour."

"This helps everyone know the significant role of historically Black colleges and universities in higher education," Ammons said.

Some of the colleges and universities visited by the "Hardball College Tour" have included Georgetown, Seton Hall, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.

When there are several guests on a show, Matthews usually picks the host college.

"But when we have just one guest, we let the guest pick the location. Sen. Edwards wanted NCCU," said Paulette Song, MSNBC's media relations director.

The selection was especially sweet for faculty and students after ABC's "Good Morning America" visited the region last year and ignored NCCU. The show instead visited the area's three large campuses — University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University.

Some said the choice was political, that Edwards was reaching out to Black voters. Nevertheless, administrators, faculty and students warmly welcomed the "Hardball" crew.

"The campus has been buzzing for weeks," said Dr. Louise Maynor, chair of the English department. Many of the broadcast students got to help the "Hardball" crew during their stay on campus.