The two exchanged jabs and schedules today during an unexpected encounter on KSL Radio's Doug Wright Show. Out of the clash came a May 4 debate day.

"We are ready and willing to move forward with this and have a great public debate about some of the most critical issues of our time," said the mayor's spokesman Patrick Thronson, citing Anderson's condemnation of the Iraq war and calls for President Bush's impeachment.

While the location of the meeting is still up in the air - the University of Utah plans to hold its commencement ceremonies the same day, tying up campus venues - Anderson and Hannity have agreed to an 8 p.m. meeting.

Each will make a 30-minute presentation, then get 15 minutes to pitch questions at his opponent. The final 15 minutes will go to the moderator for questions.

The Rocky-Hannity encounter came unexpectedly today, arising out of call the mayor initiated to the Doug Wright Show. When the mayor accused Hannity of ignoring his requests for a rescheduled debate, KSL put in a call to Hannity.

The Fox News commentator responded.

"Is the mayor really there or is he holding a protest or having a press conference?" Hannity asked KSL.

"He's right here," Doug Wright responded.

"Hey, Sean, I'm right here doing the city's business," the mayor said.

"Oh, it's about time," Hannity quipped.

An animated sparring match ensued between Hannity and Salt Lake City's liberal mayor as the two negotiated a meeting time. Wright moderated.

"It felt like shuttle diplomacy," he said, referring to Henry Kissinger's attempts to reach peace between Israel and Egypt by flying back and forth between countries.

The specifics of the May 4 debate - such as ticket prices and beneficiaries - still need some tweaking. But the day is set and Thronson said the mayor is ready to go head-to-head with the conservative commentator.

The Tribune could not reach a Hannity spokesman for comment late today.

Still, the two men need a moderator. Speaking after today' radio program, Wright said he doesn't want the job.

"I don't want to be the moderator," he said. "I don't know who in the right mind would want to be the moderator."