Watch parties planned for vice presidential debate

COLUMBIA — Only a few Columbians snagged tickets to Thursday's vice-presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

For the rest of us, there are some opportunities in Columbia to gather and watch Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware grapple with the issues. For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their own home,  the debate begins at 8 p.m. and will be shown on all major networks. PBS's Gwen Ifill will moderate.

Local Obama supporters will gather at Boone Tavern, 811 E. Walnut St., to watch the debate at 7:30 p.m.

Just down the street at the Boone County Obama headquarters, at 22 S. Ninth St., students from the Stephens College, Columbia College and MU Democratic organizations will host a watch party,  also at 7:30 p.m.

In Fulton, the Callaway County Democrats will host a watch party at their headquarters at 11 E. Fifth St. All are invited for a pre-debate hour of snacks and conversation beginning at 7 p.m.

Marcus Bowen of the McCain campaign's Columbia Victory Office said many Columbia-area Republicans are headed to a Missouri for McCain watch party at St. Louis University's Chaifetz Arena. Tickets are required for the event, which begins at 5 p.m.

To read Missourian reporters' live blogging during tomorrow night's debate, check out The Watchword.