January 8, 2007

Contact: Patrick Norton at (803) 799-7798 or pnorton@scdp.org

Orangeburg, SC – South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin and Congressman Jim Clyburn traveled to South Carolina State University today to announce that South Carolina will host the first candidates debate of the 2008 Presidential cycle on Thursday April 26th 2007 at 7:00Pm.  The Democratic Presidential candidates debate will be produced by NBC News and hosted by SC State, a Historically Black College and University which also happens to be the alma mater of Congressman Clyburn.

MSNBC will carry exclusive live coverage of the South Carolina Democratic Party's presidential primary debate on April 26, 2007 live on MSNBC from 7:00 to 8:30 pm (ET) and streamed live on MSNBC.com.  South Carolina NBC affiliates WIS-TV in Columbia; WYFF-TV in Greenville and WCBD-TV in Charleston will join MSNBC in airing the debate.  MSNBC, which has intensified its focus on politics with its successful non-stop political coverage during the recent mid-term elections, will preview the debate during the day on April 26th.  The network's signature political program, "Hardball with Chris Matthews," will air live from South Carolina State University at 5:00 pm (ET) with key interviews and analysis in anticipation of the debate.  The network will also air comprehensive analysis of the debate upon its conclusion.

The Thursday night debate will serve as a kick-off to the South Carolina Democratic Party’s 2007 convention weekend featuring the State Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner and Congressman Clyburn’s Annual Fish Fry on Friday the 27th and the State Democratic Party Convention on Saturday April 28th.  All the major Democratic candidates for president are invited to attend.

“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 Presidential primary and debate, we know just what kinds of results they can produce when it comes for viewer ship, 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.

“The NBC News/South Carolina Democratic Party Debate at SC State not only presents an incredible opportunity for the talented field of Democratic candidates running for President to make their case to the voters of South Carolina, but it presents an amazing opportunity for every citizen of this state to have South Carolina issues, values and voices front and center in the national spotlight,” said House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.

“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 SC State for this historic occasion,” Clyburn continued.  “ I am so touched by Chairman Erwin’s efforts to bring this debate to my alma mater and his commitment along with the talented team at NBC News to making it heard across the state and across the nation.”

South Carolina State Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin and his Primary team produced a successful Presidential Primary debate with NBC News in January of 2004 as part of the record-breaking 2004 Democratic Primary.  When it came time to kick off the 2008 primary, Erwin wanted something special and brought the debate to SC State to highlight the strength and diversity of this top South Carolina school and the community of Orangeburg.

“South Carolina State University through its students, alumni and constituents, has played a significant and pivotal role in shaping the history of this state and this nation; therefore, it is most appropriate that this historic event take place on this historic campus,” said Dr. Andrew Hugine, President of South Carolina State, “We are grateful to Chairman Erwin and our own Congressman Clyburn for working to bring this prestigious debate to Orangeburg and to our campus and look forward to working closely with NBC News to showcase the incredible diversity of riches our school has to offer.”

Four major broadcast networks competed for the right to air the first Presidential debate o0f the cycle.  In the end, the top-rated NBC News team was chosen for their ability to bring the debate live to the greatest audience of South Carolina and national viewers and for their ability through MSNBC to showcase South Carolina and South Carolina State University.

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to be the home of the first debate of the 2008 presidential campaign," said NBC News President Steve Capus.  "NBC News is uniquely positioned to bring an event like this to the nation with the number one morning and evening newscasts, the number one Sunday public affairs program, MSNBC's unparalleled commitment to extensive political coverage on cable and the leading news and information web site, msnbc.com ."

Orangeburg, SC – With less than two weeks before South Carolina makes history with the first presidential debate for either party in the 2008 cycle, officials from the South Carolina Democratic Party and South Carolina State University announced today that all systems are ready and on track for a both a successful and a historic Path to the Presidency Debate on SC State’s campus Thursday, April 26, 2007.

"I am pleased to see the tremendous work South Carolina State and the South Carolina Democratic Party have put into to making the first debate of the '08 presidential campaign a huge success," said Congressman James Clyburn. "Due to their amazing efforts and the community involvement, I believe this debate is going to set a high standard for future debates to meet."

All eight Democratic presidential candidates have confirmed to attend the debate, which will be Thursday, April 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Theater, located on the campus of SC State. The debate will be live on MSNBC News, MSNBC.com, and South Carolina’s NBC affiliates in addition to South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV). The debate kicks off the South Carolina Democratic Party’s historic Path to the Presidency weekend, which also includes the State Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Congressman Clyburn’s World-Famous Fish Fry, and the State Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, April 28.

Under the leadership of State Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin and SC State President Andrew Hugine, a team of key University staff and State Party activists and officials has been working for more than two months with officials from NBC News to prepare for the debate.

“I am proud to report today that all systems are go for our historic debate, “ said State Party Chair Joe Erwin. “When we first announced our intentions to come to SC State, I was very excited to be a part of the history and tradition of this great university, the alma mater of my good friend Congressman Clyburn. Now that our team has worked with the SC State family, we truly understand where their great reputation comes from. We could not have asked for better hosts than President Hugine and his team of top-notch professionals at State. These folks just get it done – no matter what the request. If they don’t have the resources, they find someone to sponsor it or someone to lend us some help, if it wasn’t something in their current schedule, they change it.”

With the combined efforts of the South Carolina Democratic Party and SC State Debate team, work is well underway to transform the campus into a 21st century debate headquarters. Workspace for NBC News, the campaigns, and the media is being converted and a debate office is open. In addition, the SC State Foundation and the Democratic Party have secured sponsors to help bring critical technology and infrastructure to the campus and provide more opportunities for students and the community to watch the debate.

One of those important sponsors was announced this morning at a press briefing on SC State’s campus. The County of Orangeburg and the Economic Development Authority will host a special community viewing celebration for more than 3,000 people in the S-H-M gymnasium the night of the debate from 6:00 – 10:00 PM. The viewing party/after party will feature food and entertainment, as well as the debate live on a big screen, and will be open to students and community members. Candidates will stop by after the debate and visit. Tickets are free but will be required for admittance and details about ticket distribution will be available next week.

“The eyes of the world will be on our campus at the end of April and SC State will make the South Carolina proud,” said SC State President Dr. Andrew Hugine. “We know that putting on a successful debate in April isn’t just a one-day phenomenon. The experience of putting on this debate will go a long way to opening the doors of opportunity for the campus, the community, and the State of South Carolina. We are committed to transforming the energy and excitement of this one event into a lasting legacy and we thank the people of Orangeburg, the leaders of this county, and the city for their continuing support and encouragement.”

KEY DEBATE FACTS

Between NBC News, MSNBC, MSNBC.com, Hard Ball, the South Carolina NBC Affiliates, and South Carolina Educational Television, millions of Americans and South Carolina voters will be able to watch the first debate of the presidential cycle.

The Chamber of Commerce estimates just having the debate in Orangeburg, South Carolina on the SC State Campus will generate $30 million worth of economic impact for the State of South Carolina.

More than 300 members of the media from around the world – including Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom – are expected to attend the debate and the Path to the Presidency Weekend.

The State Party and the SC State Foundation have secured more than $200,000 worth of sponsorships to help cover the cost of the debate. A complete list of sponsors will be released next week.

The official South Carolina Democratic Party Debate Office is now open on the SC State Campus in Earle Hall, which is right off Naylor Street on the SC State Campus. The office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and the phone number is 1-803-536-7220.

All 800 tickets for the MLK Theatre have been allocated to SC State students, alumni and supporters, the eight presidential campaigns, as well as a limited number of South Carolina Democratic elected officials and Party leaders.

Tickets for the public are still available for the Community Celebration Viewing and After Party – co-hosted by Orangeburg County and the Orangeburg Economic Development Agency. The Party will be from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday night, April 26 in the S-H-M Gymnasium. Food and Entertainment will be provided and candidates are expected to attend immediately following the debate. More information about how to pick up a ticket will be released early next week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SET UP INTERVIEWS

For questions about the South Carolina Democratic Primary Debate and the Path to the Presidency weekend, please email debate@scdp.org.

For more information, or to set up an interview with Congressman Clyburn, please contact Hope Derrick at hope_derrick@yahoo.com. To set up an interview with SC State President Andrew Hugine, please contact Erica Prioleau at 803 378-1407 - esprioleau@scsu.edu. To set up an interview with State Party Chair Joe Erwin, please contact Patrick Norton at 803-530-9323 - pnorton@scdp.org.
 

April 17, 2007

News Release—For Immediate Release

Contact:  Patrick Norton, (803) 799-7798

Columbia, SC – Today NBC News and the South Carolina Democratic Party announced that “NBC Nightly News” Anchor Brian Williams will moderate the first-in-the-nation presidential debate at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on Thursday, April 26, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

"I believe Brian Williams’ involvement in this first in the nation presidential debate is indicative of the importance of this event," said Congressman Jim Clyburn.  "I am pleased at the level of commitment NBC and its personnel have demonstrated toward this debate, and look forward to seeing their usual first class production."

"Nightly News with Brian Williams" will also originate live in HD on April 26 from the campus of SC State in Orangeburg, which is also Congressman Clyburn’s alma mater.

“South Carolina State University – through its students, alumni and constituents – has played a significant and pivotal role in shaping the history of this state and this nation; therefore, it is most appropriate that this historic event take place on this historic campus,” said SC State President Andrew Hugine.

“We are grateful to Chairman Erwin and our own Congressman Clyburn for working to bring this prestigious debate to Orangeburg, and to our campus, and look forward to working closely with NBC News to showcase the incredible richness of diversity our school has to offer,” added Hugine.

The South Carolina Democratic Party has announced that Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson are all confirmed to participate in the debate on April 26.  The debate will air live on MSNBC from 7:00 to 8:30 PM (EDT) and stream live on MSNBC.com.  South Carolina NBC affiliates, WIS-TV in Columbia, WYFF-TV in Greenville, and WCBD-TV in Charleston, will join MSNBC in airing the debate.  South Carolina Educational Television (SC ETV) will also air the debate live statewide.

Said Williams, "For South Carolina voters, there is no substitute for seeing and hearing the candidates in the State, on the issues.  South Carolina will play a huge role in determining the next President of the United States.  We look upon this debate as the start of that very serious conversation.  I'm so looking forward to being in South Carolina – and sampling the familiar hospitality – as we put to the candidates the questions South Carolina voters want answered.  This is participatory Democracy in action, we want people to watch, we want the voters to send in their questions so we can read them on the air.  The stakes are high and South Carolina is about to play a pivotal role in the future direction of the country as a whole."

South Carolina Democratic Party chair Joe Erwin also stressed the importance of the debate and NBC’s involvement.

“Brian Williams is the gold standard for American journalists and it’s great to work with NBC to broadcast this significant and historical event to millions of people in South Carolina, the United States, and across the world,” said Erwin.  “The Path to the Presidency runs through South Carolina and it runs through Orangeburg.  I look forward to working with Brian and the presidential candidates and we’re delighted they are coming to our Path to the Presidency weekend events.”

For media interested in covering the "First in the Nation" debate, please contact Patrick Norton of the South Carolina Democratic Party at 803-799-7798 or pnorton@scdp.org to request a credential application form, or you can find the form online at http://www.scdp.org/press.php?id=207.