Obama vs Clinton: Expect Some Sparks at the Debate Tonight

Texas has turned out to be the epicenter for the Democrats running for president. It's so important that I've made the trip to cover the Obama vs Clinton debate at the UT campus. Tonight, all eyes will be on Austin.

The place is turning into a kind of media zoo because the debate is so crucial to the Democratic nomination.

It's also fitting that it's right in the middle of all the UT sports complexes. The debate itself will be in an arena where they sometimes have martial arts, and it's expected to be a real fight.

While the debate airs 'live' only on CNN and will then be replayed in Spanish on Univision, satellite dishes are sprouting like weeds, and reporters from across the country are primping and expecting a lot of air time.

It's all part of a national campaign focus Texas has never seen. And a lot of Texans say -- it's about time.

"It's a big deal, we're making history," one person said.

"What's new, what's history is Hispanics are deciding who the presidential candidates are going to be," said Jorge Ramos.

I managed to grab two of tonight's panelists who'll be asking the questions.

They agree it's great to see tonight's Texas debate, and especially the Texas vote, playing such a huge part in the election.

"The energy that Texas and other states bring to this, is just great," said John King.

As for the questions, they're still working on those. But they expect it could be a real fight. Tonight's debate could be Hillary's last stand.

"She knows her back's against the wall," King told News 4.

I would expect some sparks.

Supporters of Candidates Line The Streets

News 4's Leila Walsh spoke to some of the Clinton and Obama supporters in Austin about their efforts:

It's two candidates, two campaigns, and both are fighting for a win in Texas.

I'm seeing a lot of people show up and show a lot of passion," one person told News 4.

Some Clinton supporters said they spent last night camping in what they are calling the Texas "Hil" Country.

"We haven't gotten any sleep, but we're still pumped up," said a Clinton supporter.

Not to be out done, Senator Barack Obama supporters are in Austin with an iPOD full of speeches and their own hand-made signs.

Both groups lined the streets Thursday.

Obama supporters on one side; Clinton supporters on the other. They wait for the camera and the microphones and the people passing by, always looking for the next chance to get their message out.

"I think if the supporters weren't out here, it just wouldn't be a democratic election," said Veena Patel, who's looking forward to debate. "This is what it's really about - us coming out here and showing support."

Republican Candidate Huckabee At St. Mary's University

The Democrats aren't the only ones in town. Republican candidate Mike Huckabee is campaigning in San Antonio.

Huckabee is scheduled to speak Thursday night at St. Mary's University.

Lots of people were already lining up Thursday afternoon outside St. Mary's Greehey Auditorium, but not nearly many as when Senator Clinton visited last week. However, the people we talked to are excited to hear what Mike Huckabee has to say.

"I want to compare and contrast Hillary and Huckabee," St. Mary's student Kristie Wainwright told News 4. "I saw Hillary, and I wanted to see Huckabee and see what he says and compare to what she says. And I'll make my decision then. I'm kind of up in the air right now."

Mike Huckabee showed up Downtown to take a private tour of the Alamo around noon Thursday. He's set to speak at St. Mary's at 7:30 p.m.

"Huckabee for President" Rally:

When: Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
            Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Greehey Auditorium
             St. Mary's University
             1 Camino Santa Maria
             San Antonio , TX 78228

Senator Ted Kennedy Campaigns For Obama in S.A.

Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy was in San Antonio campaigning for Barack Obama Thursday.

Kennedy spoke at a rally at Trinity University. He talked about the importance of the young vote. Kennedy also compared Obama to President John F. Kennedy, and how he's managed to capture the interest of people who had been turned off by politics.

"What a difference Barack Obama has offered, an entirely different direction of bringing the young people in," Kennedy said. "It reminds me of the kind of appeal President Kennedy had when he challenged a whole generation and challenged the country to give something back to America."

The rally was hosted by Trinity University Students for Obama.