Democratic stars play ‘Hardball’ at Temple

Hundreds of students at Temple University crowded around an outdoor set this afternoon as television host Chris Matthews interviewed local stars of the Democratic party.

Matthews - host of MSNBC's "Hardball" - was greeted with a marching band, cheerleaders, and the Temple Owl mascot. The hoopla helped to fend off the chill as gusty winds buffeted the Alumni Circle at Liacouras and Pollett Walk where the show had planted itself.

Students climbed on each other's shoulders to get a good gander at the political commentator as he interviewed Senate candidate Joe Sestak, Gov. Ed Rendell and Congressman Bob Brady.

Sestak was first up.

Matthews asked the former Navy admiral if Sarah Palin was a suitable candidate for president.

"No," said Sestak.

When asked if Delaware's Christine O'Donnell had what it takes to be a serious politician, Sestak bluntly replied that she didn't deserve to be in the Senate.

Matthews then called Sestak a loner, pointing to his stunning defeat favorite Sen. Arlen Specter in the primary without the backing of the Democratic party.

"How can a loner win?" queried the host.

Sestak pointed to student, Dashiell Sears.

Sears, Sestak said, cast his ballot for him over Specter.

"It was his first time voting," Sestak said. "I want to represent that kind of Pennsylvanian."

During a commercial break, Sestak walked over to Sears who was sitting with a group of friends.

"It's people like you I'm reaching out for," said Sestak to the 19-year-old political science major from Hanover, Pa.

In a stage whisper Sestak said "You're famous now" to the student, and then handed him a business card.

Sears, after his moment in the sun, said he was voting for Sestak because he felt the Democrat was "younger and more in tune" than Republican Pat Toomey.

The event wasn't purely a Democratic love fest. Toomey supporters waved mammoth banners, one of which read "Joe Says-Tax."

Following the show, Matthews spoke briefly with reporters. He explained hy he chose Temple as a stop on his road show.

"It's a good student body," Matthews said. "It's diverse it's urban.

When asked about the significance of the Pennsylvania election this year, Matthews prognosticated.

"If a Democrat wins, he'll be here for 40 years," Matthews said. "If Sestak wins, he'll be a significant figure."