As you may know, Belmont is the site of the second Presidential Debate. Ole Miss had the honors first. In an effort to see what it's like to host such a grand event, our WSMV crew hit the road to get an inside look.

Along with Assistant News Director Mike Todd and Satellite Truck Operator Don Downs, the three of us headed to Oxford, Mississippi early Thursday morning. On the way there, we still weren't sure if there was going to be a debate, based off of comments made by John McCain the night before. Part of the mission was fact finding for Nashville, the other goal was to try and break some news of the status of the debate.

Upon arrival, we talked to an official from Ole Miss to get a university perspective. As you will soon see in Nashville, Belmont's small campus will be converted into a packed city street.

One of the most exciting parts of our first day was talking to NBC's Tom Brokaw. He's good friends with an Ole Miss journalism professor and spent the next two days on campus. Brokaw is hosting the Belmont Debate, so this was a working trip for him. We talking to him about the unique town hall formal. You'll see parts of our chat during the week on Channel 4 News.

Next day...the debate is on. We were the ones to tell the Mayor of Oxford the news. Thanks to my Blackberry and to my colleagues for getting us the news. In Oxford, everything is at a halt on debate day. No classes at Ole Miss. No construction or sewer work. No surprises. We also had a chance to speak with NBC's Andrea Mitchell and Chris Matthews of Hardball. Both were gracious and you'll hear their insight as well at a later day.