Correction: This article incorrectly states the time of the speech. The speech will take place at 2 p.m.

Supporters often refer to Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel as "Grandpa Mike," but even so, he has said people older than 30 just don't understand parts of his campaign.

And at 2:30 p.m. today, Gravel, a former Alaskan senator, will speak about issues that affect college students in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium.

"He's got a lot of interesting viewpoints," said College Democrats President Enrique Ortiz, whose group is sponsoring the event. "He's a crazy old grandpa sometimes."

Ortiz said Gravel advocates an immediate withdrawal of all troops from Iraq, opposes a military confrontation with Iran and supports lowering the drinking age. Fliers around campus advertised Gravel's visit with his quote, "Anybody that can fight and die for this country should be able to drink!"

"We thought that was a great quote to draw in college students," Samantha Miller, spokeswoman for the College Democrats, said. "He's not afraid to speak his mind, and he's very honest about his opinions."

Gravel served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1963 to 1966 and as Speaker from 1965 to 1966. He then represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1981, according to his biography on his official campaign Web site, www.gravel2008.us. He announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential race on April 17, 2006, becoming the first Democratic candidate to officially declare candidacy.

Despite his early announcement, Gravel's poll numbers have been consistently below 3 percent.
"He might be running not because he can actually win, but to bring up important points," Ortiz said. "He's adding to the debate."

Ortiz said his polling numbers may not be representative of actual support, especially among college students. In a poll of Facebook users, Gravel is currently in third place among Democratic candidates, behind Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

"He's popular among the younger crowd because he speaks to issues close and central to younger people," Ortiz said.

Alex Smith, secretary of the College Republicans, said he was "probably" going to go to the event.

"I'm guessing I'll probably disagree with what he says, but I definitely want to at least see what he has to say," Smith said.

Alex Weller, president of the Penn State College Libertarians, said he encouraged members of his club to attend.

"It's important to understand all the candidates and their positions," he said. "Students should take the opportunity to become acquainted with the candidates and their positions."

Gravel's visit sounds like a great event, said Amanda Blunt, president of the Political Science Association.

"I know he's not exactly a front-runner right now, but any time a presidential candidate comes to speak, it's a great opportunity for students," she said. "Whether you agree with him or not, it'll definitely be interesting to go and see what he has to say."

Miller said the College Democrats are working with several other presidential candidates to schedule visits to Penn State.

"This is the first in what we hope will be a series of presidential candidates coming to speak with students," Miller said.