SC State to hosts first presidential debate of the '08 campaign

The first presidential candidates' debate of the 2008 campaign will air live on MSNBC on Thursday, April 26 from the campus of S.C. State University, the S.C. Democratic Party announced Monday.

The 7 p.m. debate will be preceded by a live edition of "Hardball with Chris Matthews," which will broadcast from the historically black university in Orangeburg. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the newly installed House majority whip, is a graduate of the university.

"What better way to celebrate South Carolina and our second-in-the-nation first-in-the South Presidential Primary than with the first Presidential debate at the alma mater of our own Jim Clyburn, Majority Whip of the US House of Representatives," said South Carolina State Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin. "Having worked closely with the top-notch NBC News team in 2004 for the Presidential primary and debate, we know just what kinds of results they can produce when it comes to viewership, voter education and voter participation. Democratic candidates can rest assured that their campaign messages will be heard by millions of South Carolina voters and NBC viewers across the country."

"I fully expect that the leading Democrats who are considering a run for the Presidency, will not miss this opportunity to travel to Orangeburg and meet the terrific students, faculty and staff of South Carolina State University for this historic occasion," said House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.