Washington and Lee University students picked up information packets on Wednesday, for the three day mock Republican National Convention that begins Thursday.
Many of the students have been preparing for the convention for four years. Communications Chairwoman Kali McFarland says they're glad it's finally here.
"So much excitement. People are just buzzing about how many big names are coming to campus. A lot of alumni like to come back for the event,” said McFarland.
This will be a memorable mock-con, with Ann Coulter and James Carville kicking it off Thursday evening, with what will surely be a heated debate. Then, 2008 presidential candidate, and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will speak that evening.
Friday will feature perhaps the most intriguing speakers of the week, when former presidential candidates Herman Cain and Jon Huntsman take the stage.
Saturday, former Senator Fred Thompson of 'Law and Order fame,' and former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will close out the event.
I asked McFarland how student organizers were able to get so many big names in the political world? She responded, "We have a lot to thank from our alumni connections. A lot of W&L alums go to work on the hill (Capitol Hill), or in the media, and they've really helped us out."
Youll see more than just big names. On Friday, an elephant will lead a parade right down Main Street in Lexington.
Editor's update: Early Thursday morning, the Mock Con cancelled its contract for a live elephant, following a complaint from PETA.
In 2008, the mock-con predicted Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic nominee over Barack Obama. That was only the second mistake in the mock-con's history.
McFarland says the student body is all but guaranteeing an accurate prediction this year.
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