Apr 16, 2008 9:36 pm US/Eastern
Thousands Gather Outside NCC For Democratic Debate
Reporting
Jim Osman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Thousands of spectators, protestors, supporters and members of the press
have gathered at the National
Constitution Center
in Independence Mall for the final Democratic debate before the Pennsylvania
Primary.
Hundreds of members of the press from around the world perched outside the National Constitution Center
as a cast of characters sounded off on the streets below.
Equipped with megaphones, signs and even mini-blimps, supporters of both
Senators Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama showed their enthusiasm for the
candidates.
But the crowds were not just focused on Presidential politics. Groups
protesting the recent turbulence in China were also out in force.
Wednesday night's debate is last major event prior to the Pennsylvania
Primary, which could prove pivotal for the candidates seeking the Democratic
nomination.
"It's tremendously exciting, not only for Philadelphia, but for the state and the
entire country," said Mayor Nutter.
A crowd of approximately 300 will watch as Clinton and Obama face-off face to face for
the first time in six weeks.
"The buzz about what's said, what's not said is going to be critically
important," said Dr. Don Kettl of the University of Pennsylvania.
The President of the National
Constitution Center,
Joe Torcella said the debate is historic moment.
"It's special for us here to have the debate in the show of
Independence Hall in a building dedicated to the words, 'We The People,'"
said Torcella.
* Log on to cbs3.com from 8-10 p.m. to sound off about the debate by joining
our web chat hosted by Digital Journalist Nicole Brewer.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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