There's no question that the upcoming 2008 Presidential Debate at Belmont University will serve as a healthy injection to the local economy. From hotel bookings to restaurant reservations, the city will be filled with thousands who are here to watch, participate and/or cover the exchange.

But the benefits of the debate will extend far beyond the Belmont Campus for a longtime to come.

As a city, Nashville will be put on the map in a different way. The mere presence of the debate will put the city under a different light. Butch Spyridon of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau told me the debate will be part of the marketing tool that will help to lure corporate meetings here in Nashville. He adds, the fact that Nashville is able to orchestrate an event of this size and with such stiff technical and security requirements will only help the area attract new ventures and businesses.

Belmont students may be one of the biggest winners.

University officials know, such a grand event will help them to attract new students, new donors and new opportunities on campus. It's not everyday that you see people like Ken Burns and Tom Brokaw at your school.

Less than a week and counting.