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A lot of voters may already have picked their candidate, but tonight's presidential debate could still draw a huge audience.
It will be the second of three debates between John McCain and Barack Obama, and it comes near the end of the longest presidential campaigns in U.S. history.
Though these debates do target undecided voters, the real interest, and audience, will include people who have already made up their minds about a candidate.
In the midst of a financial crisis, Obama comes into tonight's debate ahead in the polls.
On the campaign trail, McCain is turning the focus to his opponent. "In short, who is the real Barack Obama?" McCain asked.
Obama, on the other hand, is tweaking McCain as old-school. "He's out of ideas, out of touch and running out of time," an Obama campaign add says.
That's all playing out in the background here at home. At Utah's Obama-Biden headquarters, they're focusing on the basics. There are homemade campaign signs in the window, printed ones are on back order.
Though a clear Obama supporter, Su Armitage will watch tonight's debate anyway. "Whether it's a local, state or national race, when my candidate makes a good point and has a ‘gotcha!' moment, I feel good," Armitage said.
In Provo, which is heavy on McCain supporters, the debate is a sober event, literally. Serious as the times are, the BYU Republicans plan on having a little fun by stocking up on root beer this afternoon.
"We got some root beer, and every time Barack Obama says ‘hope' or ‘change,' as BYU students, we're going to swig some root beer, and it's going to be a lot of fun tonight," said student Greg Skidmore said.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.comFor more on that McCain-watch party and several Obama-watch parties, see the locations and web sites below.
Provo McCain-watch Party
Provo McCain Headquarters 746 E. 820 N. Provo, UT Phone: (801) 374-9968
Obama-watch Parties
1. Debate Party on the Big Screen
2. Barack O' BBQ: Camp Chair Truth Review Meeting
Contact: Aaron Thompson,dip10mac03@yahoo.com
3. 2nd Presidentaial Debate
Contact: Patrick Hutchings, 801-673-6997,utahlgbt4obama@gmail.com
4. Debate Watch Party
Contact: James McMahon, 435-574-2711, jim@jamespmcmahon.com
5. Debate Watch Party
Contact: LaFray Kelley, 801-731-5252
6. Debate Watch Party at Saints and Sinners
Contact: Misty Fowler, 801-755-3974, saintless@gmail.com
7. Late Notice Debate Party
Contact: Brenda Kidman, 801-791-5030, [bkidman@gmail.com](<mailto :bkidman@gmail.com>)
8. October 7 Debate Watch
Contact: Lincoln Hobbs, 801-519-2555, lwhobbs@gmail.com
9. Pres. Town Hall Debate
Contact: Julianna Shields, 801-360-6040, julieoshields@gmail.com
