Presidential Debate Student Profile

Mark Reddish

Sophomore in Psychology from Momence, Illinois. Attended High School at Momence High School in Momence, Illinois.

Campus Programming Council Comedy Series Coordinator

Bio Snapshot: The presidential election is no joke. But just try telling that to Jon Stewart, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, or any other comedian who can find plenty of humor on the campaign trail. And try telling that to the millions of Americans who rely on TV personalities for their election news.

Mark Reddish

No wonder, then, that Washington University's Student Union turned to Mark Reddish, Comedy Series Coordinator, to add an off-beat but valuable perspective to the presidential debate. Using contacts developed through his work at Washington University, Reddish managed to bring the nation's hottest contrarian to St. Louis. On Thursday, October 7, the night before the presidential debate, filmmaker Michael Moore will address Washington University students at The Pageant, a nearby music venue on Delmar Blvd. "An Evening with Michael Moore" is open only to registered undergraduates. Tickets cost $5.

So powerful is the voice of Michael Moore that Reddish worried that the filmmaker's visit might scare off President Bush! That was the last thing this high school valedictorian and one-time newspaper editor wanted. So he was pleased when the candidates agreed to debate in St. Louis.

"Michael Moore represents freedom of speech to me," says Reddish. "But the most important thing is that he gets people interested in pertinent issues. Through his humor and examination of pop culture, Moore appeals to the college audience. I think even the people who hate him will want to go just to have a shot at him through the Q & A."

Will either President Bush or John Kerry be a match for Moore's sound bites? Stay tuned!

Student Contact Information:

Work: (815) 953-1355

E-mail: reddish@wustl.edu

For more information or help setting up an interview, contact:

Debra Schwartz - schwarde@charter.net, (314) 791-0647

Gerry Everding - gerry_everding@wustl.edu, (314) 935-6375