NEW YORK - Columbia University President Lee Bollinger, who invited Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at the school, tried to distance himself from the controversial leader today after his appearance sparked wide-spread campus protests.
After Ahmadinejad spoke, Bollinger scurried to the microphone and exclaimed, "I am shocked, shocked to find that hate-mongering is going on in here." Bollinger told the crowd he was "completely caught off guard" by Ahmadinejad's presence. "I didn't realize until a few minutes ago that it was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the fascist up here speaking. I thought it was Mahmoud Harvey Ahmadinejad, the famous surrealist decoupage. Wait until I get a hold of my secretary! Hoo boy, are our faces red."
This is not the first time Bollinger sparked controversy by his choice of speakers. He came under fire last year when he invited Don Barzini and the other heads of the five families to speak on campus.
In his speech, Ahmadinejad indicated he would like to "do some shopping, maybe see a show -- I love musicals," during his stay in New York, but complained that the cab ride from LaGuardia to Columbia cost $438.
