Drake University Provides the Backdrop for the Center of the Presidential Race This Sunday Morning

I just read this email & thought I'd post it in it's entirety. Considering the role Iowa plays in presidential debates, and the quality of the journalism school at Drake... this is pretty cool. ABC will be broadcasting from auditoriums where I saw performances, held meetings and received awards, and just steps from where I studied, lived, and pulled all-nighters for 4 years of my life.

Pour a cup of your favorite breakfast beverage Sunday morning and turn your television to your local ABC television affiliate. And see Drake's mission in action.

Two live debates, moderated by ABC News' George Stephanopoulos with additional questioning from David Yepsen of The Des Moines Register, will be held in Drake's Sheslow Auditorium in Old Main, 2507 University Ave. The Republican debate will be this Sunday, Aug. 5, and the Democratic debate will be Sunday, Aug. 19. The debates will begin at 8 a.m. Central Daylight Time and air across the country as a special edition of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."

"Drake University has long had a powerful commitment to serving as a place where the community comes together to address the vital issues of the day," said Drake University President David Maxwell. "It is an honor and a privilege for us to serve in this capacity on a national scale in hosting these two debates."

"I think it's terrific that we are able to continue our 'On the Trail' series in Iowa with two live programs from a state crucial to the election process," said Stephanopoulos, anchor of "This Week" and ABC News chief Washington correspondent. "This is an historic election and I look forward to bringing our viewers the first and only presidential candidate forums on Sunday morning television."

Drake graduates all over the world will have a chance to see their alma mater. The broadcast will feature locations in several University buildings in addition to the Sheslow Jordan stage. The audience for the events also includes some of Drake's students, faculty and staff.

Pre-event stories about the debate have aired on ABC's Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight. It is expected all news networks will cover the event and more than 150 journalists are expected on campus for the first debate.

Visit www.Drake.edu for coverage of the event on Sunday.