Oxford, Ole Miss prep for presidential debate

The Clarion-Ledger, 9/22/8

Days away from hosting a historical debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama, this city of less than 20,000 increased preparations Sunday as it considered the event’s potential effects.

Red, white and blue banners celebrating the first such debate to ever be held at the University of Mississippi dotted the campus, the city’s streetlights and its downtown businesses.

Yellow tape barricaded the school’s Ford Center, where Obama and McCain will meet Friday, while security guards redirected traffic around closed roads.

Workers spent the afternoon setting up a watch party downtown on the Square for residents who will not be allowed into the Ford Center.