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They won't debate. In fact, the political opposites will appear nine days apart. But conservative talk-show host Sean Hannity and liberal moviemaker Michael Moore will grace the same Utah Valley State College stage just weeks before November's election.
And that promises fireworks of its own.
Hannity will appear at the Orem college's McKay Events Center on Oct. 11, while Moore's controversial appearance is locked in for Oct. 20.
Wednesday's announcement dovetailed with a lively student protest in a campus food court that drew 300 people and symbolized the suddenly raging political discourse at UVSC.
"I heard one student say, 'I feel like I'm on a college campus, finally,' '' school spokesman Derek Hall said about the rally.
"It was a pretty crazy atmosphere," added Joe Vogel, vice president of the student government. "The reaction [at the protest] actually turned out to be more supportive of Michael Moore than against him."
Vogel says administrators, including Michael Mower, a UVSC Board of Trustees member, helped land Hannity because they "had some connections."
Mower read a statement Wednesday saying it is the proper role of academic institutions to "present different viewpoints for intellectual discussion."
Hannity agreed to waive his usual $100,000 speaking fee, according to Vogel, but will be compensated for travel - in a private jet.
"We've had a lot of people call saying they'd like to pay for Sean Hannity's airfare," Vogel said. "I think they thought it would be first class."
Also under consideration, according to Hall, is the possibility that Hannity's Fox News Oct. 11 program could be broadcast from the campus.
Speaking fees have been a hot topic after student leaders announced they would pay Moore $40,000-plus travel and security expenses - nearly exhausting their annual budget which comes from student fees.
The controversy has boosted membership in UVSC's College Republicans group by 400, according to Chad Wright, the president.
"He's helped a lot of people get really involved," he said. "For us, it's kind of been a good thing, especially now that Hannity's coming."
But some on campus are still organizing a revolt, which now targets both speakers.
Sean Vreeland, a senior and Army reservist, says his petition to recall Moore - as well as the student leaders that scheduled the filmmaker - has more than 1,000 signatures.
Yet, instead of the political message, Vreeland says his objection is that student fees are being wasted on punditry - either Moore's or Hannity's.
"We're against any kind of political extremist going to UVSC on the students' dime," he said. "I don't see why it would be that hard to get somebody from the Kerry campaign and the Bush campaign. Somebody who represents the actual candidates."
Jim Bassi, student government president, is just happy to deflect the controversy.
"Hopefully, the community will recognize that we have sought to create a balance with our speaker selection, and won't hold individual students or the school responsible for the views of any speaker," he said.
As for Vogel's plans following the Hannity announcement: "Hopefully, I'll be able to go to class."
Ticket sales for Michael Moore's speech generated close to $30,000, officials said Wednesday. It sold out Tuesday night. He speaks at noon Oct. 20. Tickets for Sean Hannity - priced the same as for Moore, between $5 and $10 - went on sale Wednesday afternoon and are available through SmithsTix and the McKay Events Center. Hannity speaks at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11.