From Deseret News archives:
Face off Sean Hannity vs. Rocky Anderson
Duo air reasoned arguments and barrage of personal jabs
Round Three. During a question and answer session, statements about the war dissolve into personal jabs between the two personalities during their much-anticipated debate Friday in Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah.
But as tough as the slams were, it was difficult at times for either of them to get a word in over the cheers, boos and heckling from the capacity audience as each made his case about the war and the state of the nation.
Moderator Ken Verdoia, associate director at the U.'s TV station, KUED, had a difficult time keeping the two on track and several times chided the audience, at one point saying, "Let's take a deep breath, everybody," to try to quell the ruckus.
Anderson stressed that while many should be held accountable for the U.S. involvement in Iraq, it is Bush who has repeatedly lied. "He was selling us a bill of goods," the mayor said.
For his part, Hannity poked fun at Anderson, calling him a part-time mayor and a full-time protester. And, he said, Anderson and activists like him aren't helping, they're hurting.
"This enemy actually believes, in their dark fanaticism, that they are doing God's will when they kill innocent men, women and children," he said, referring to Saddam Hussein's reign of terror before the war and the ongoing problems with terrorists and Saddam loyalists.
The debate, hosted by the the Associated Students of the University of Utah, came about after the Fox cable news network canceled a scheduled appearance by Anderson on the "Hannity & Colmes" show. Hannity made an off-the-cuff challenge in response to Anderson's reaction to the cancellation, sparking the debate.
As they were leaving, some of the listeners said that both Anderson and Hannity made good points and bad ones. A few said the near-constant audience disruptions were distracting.
Comments
- Utah Utes, BYU football: Rivalry Week 11:28 p.m.
- Utah Utes football: 5 keys to victory 11:25 p.m.
- Minor injuries in rollover crash 11:19 p.m.
- 'Wonderful Life' done wonderfully 11:19 p.m.
- Downtown holiday displays kick off 10:40 p.m.
- Shoppers 'experience' Black Friday 10:32 p.m.
- Ogden postmaster to retire 10:31 p.m.
- Comments sought on Bitter Creek 10:31 p.m.
- National news briefs 10:29 p.m.
- Cougars turn back Wildcats' 10:23 p.m.
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
264 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
133 - Boys basketball rankings
127 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
109 - Letters: Trump card for believers
93 - Real Champions
87
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
on the offensive side of the ball tonight. He needs to work on boxing out...
I have heard the same thing from Curtis' people. Be patient, in time your...
Check out the time stamp of the story: Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 9:53 p.m This...
Man, all you BYU fans were sure correct on that blowout you predicted. "Oh,...
from nyc, my thoughts are with the family -- what a terrible tragedy. may...
I'm going to have to call you out on that one!!! There is no way you could...
Mike Richards comes through again! He's my true antithesis. If he's for it,...
If I only had a nickel for each time someone has declared religion dead I'd...
not 87-80 Weber State played well from mid first to mid second half, but...
was an awesome BEAST against CHI. That is one of the best games he has played...




You can be the first to comment on this story.