Scholastic Student Reporter Erin Sullentrup talks with a radio reporter during pre-debate work on Friday, October 8 in St. Louis, Missouri. Because her interview was taped for broadcast, she couldn't talk on a cell phone. Sometimes low-tech is best! (Photo: Carrie Kreiswirth)

Friday, October 8—There was a lot of excitement on the Washington University campus today, as everybody prepared for the second presidential debate tonight. President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry will meet to discuss domestic issues in the university's athletic center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Security was tight, with sand-filled dump trucks blocking the roads around campus. Police cars sat on every corner, directing people to detours.

While St. Louis citizens rejoiced over the first rainfall in two months, it was bad timing for the debates. Electric carts whisked reporters back and forth between campus building, dodging puddles. Perched on the back seat of a cart, this reporter's clean khakis soon became splattered with mud.

The athletic center, where the debate is being held, was turned into a town hall. Some 150 undecided voters seated in front of the candidates all turned in questions for the candidates. ABC news correspondent Charlie Gibson, the only person who has read all the questions, will choose which ones will be asked. Candidates will sit on stools on stage.

The Washington University Bears basketball court was turned into a media filing center with about 40 TVs set up throughout the room. Lunchroom tables covered in white plastic with blue skirts, about 30 rows deep, fill up most of the space. TV cameras and blue curtained booths line spin alley. The spin area is where representatives of both campaigns will come after the debate to tell the media that their candidate won.

Before the debate, reporters wandered about space, hooking up their computers, and talking to friends. Reporters also watched pre-debate coverage on the TVs. Just like most of America, the hundreds of reporters covering the event—including this Scholastic News Online reporter—will watch the debate on TV.

Tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET to watch the second of three scheduled debates between the presidential candidates. The final debate is set for Wednesday, October 13, in Tempe, Arizona.