Director's Alert: WKYC to help sponsor Presidential debate

CLEVELAND -- Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have accepted an invitation from NBC and Cleveland State University to debate in Cleveland on Tuesday, February 26th.

This acceptance from Obama comes after announcing on Wednesday that he would focus his time in Ohio on meeting with voters and not debating.

Hillary Clinton has been pushing for a debate since she and Obama essentially split the Super Tuesday vote.

WKYC is helping to sponsor the event. NBC's Tim Russert and Brian Williams will moderate the event. NBC Nightly News will broadcast live from Cleveland the night of the debate.

Dr. Michael Schwartz, Cleveland State University President, said the University was contacted Thursday. They were asked to accomodate the event and are very, very glad.

President Schwartz said: "This is very important for Cleveland. It matters for the University a great deal as well. We will do anything we can to promote this region."

He also believes this is a great opportunity to bring area school kids as well as Cleveland State Students together for this history-making event. He went on to say, "It is a critical issue for us. CSU is an educational institution. It is a wonderful opportunity."

The Ohio Primary is March 4th.

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