In a response that drew applause, Lieberman cited the recent arrest of almost 800 immigrants and foreign nationals as an “un-American” abuse of the government’s power. The best thing about the PATRIOT Act, Lieberman, said, was that Congress had installed a sunset clause.

Lara Setrakian ’03 took a different tone with her 15 seconds.

“What’s the first thought that would go through your head when you wake up in the White House?” she asked the group.

With the flair that makes him popular in debates, if not the polls, Sharpton shot back, “I would make sure Bush has all of his stuff out.... I’d change the locks so that all his crowd will stay out.”

The evening also featured 30-second videos, produced by the candidates, which introduced each of them to a backdrops of rock and rap music.

Wesley K. Clark’s spot touted the retired general’s support for affirmative action, his belief in war as a last resort, and predictions about the fate of the popular band Outkast.

“I don’t care what other candidates say,” Clark was shown telling young voters in a coffee-shop, “I don’t think Outkast is breaking up.”

Representative Dennis Kucinich, D-OH, appeared on Rock the Vote last night despite declining an invitation to appear on MSNBC’s Hardball, to be taped at Harvard.

A Kucinich spokesperson said at the time that the candidate had declined because the show is “quite biased in the direction of right-wing and corporate interests.”

Kucinich refined his stance tonight, after appearing on Rock the Vote.

“I have fundamental disagreements with Mr. Matthews. I don’t want to disparage him,” he said. “I can choose which shows to appear on and I chose not to appear on his.”

Manicuring the Masses

At the immaculately-managed event, even the street supporters looked staged. Coordination was key—five large black vans drove up just before 7 p.m., followed by the chartered-Edwards campaign bus and a gaggle of police officers. The candidates ran a gantlet of college students, campaign signs and democrats of all colors including several Lyndon La Rouche supporters.

Brittani S. Head ’06, leader of Harvard Students for Edwards, brought four other members to stand in a crowd of Edwards supports from other local colleges.

“It’s hard for a southern candidate in New England,” she said.