Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

As we first mentioned last night, Cleveland will become the home for the only Democratic presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as Decision 2008 comes down to the important March 4th Ohio primary. But why did both choose the NBC Network and Cleveland as their platform. Simply said, it's because of the importance of getting their important message for change to one of the most economically depressed cities in the country - and the fact that both candidates have great respect for NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams and Meet the Press Moderator Tim Russert, who will moderate the debate. Although MSNBC's David Shuster made unhelpful comments on the air today about Mrs. Clinton's daughter, Chelsea - and has subsequently been suspended by NBC - we are confident the candidates will understand their presence at a Cleveland debate will not only help their cause, but our area as well. Both Williams and Russert offer fair, but tough questions. Unlike past deba...

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...