It’s no surprise when groundbreaking research is published by a university. But colleges can also provide a refreshing new look at politics and become a hub of discussion for the upcoming election.

As recently as last week, professors at well-known universities were hosting in-depth discussions on the stances of the newly announced vice-presidential candidates: Senator Biden and Governor Palin. It just seems natural that universities and colleges provide critical analysis of current events, since educational institutions are usually on the cutting edge of progressive conversations.

I even reported months ago about how university commencements could easily be a stop on the campaign trail for many candidates. Again, a core place of discussion about current politics. And, you shouldn’t be too surprised to learn that universities lobby to have presidential debates held on their campuses. Not only does it help excite a young generation of voters, it just makes sense for colleges to provide the setting for these debates (especially this year’s, which are expected to be highly popular).

All in all, I think it dates back to when universities were first organized in the time of Plato. After all, it’s original core definition refers to “higher learning” – a natural place for analysis of current events. It even progressed to hostility between the “townies” and the “gownies” in the early days of British universities. These playful nicknames refer to the “commoners” who lived in the town and the university students who paraded their robes (or gowns) even outside of the university campus. Ah, the resentment of the educated.