The calls have already started. Friends are hoping that I have some inside "source" who can provide them with tickets to the 2008 Presidential Debate at Belmont University. Now that the debate is less than a month away, I'm sure I'll be hearing from yet more friends, past and present.

Unfortunately, whether you're a member of the the media or not, tickets are in slim supply. In fact, from what I've been able to gauge, I'd be surprised if anyone from our Channel Four News team will see the exchange in person.

Belmont University officials are certainly aware of the public interest, but their hands are tied too.

According to a statement released by Belmont:

"The debates are primarily intended for the television viewing audience. Tickets are not available to the general public. Belmont students will be given top priority for any tickets that may be made available to Belmont."

It's also interesting to note, "The Belmont debate is the only official Town Hall Debate. Participants asking questions of the candidates will be chosen by the Gallup Organization. Belmont will have no control of the selection of participants," according to the statement.

In many ways, this will be like covering a trial. When Perry March went on trial for the murder of his wife Janet, it was very rare for reporters to be in the courtroom. Instead, we watched it from a small room with a closed circuit television link. Part of the reason is because of space. The other part of it is that it's easier to prepare our reports from an area with computer hook-ups etc. You can see some pictures of the media tent on our slideshow.

But the Belmont Debate is historic. Who wouldn't want to watch it in person.

Have a great weekend.