With the 2008 presidential election candidates coming to town for the second presidential debate on Tuesday, national attention is turned to Nashville. And even though the town-hall-style debate will be held at Belmont University, there are still several ways for Vanderbilt students to get involved.

Monday, Oct. 6
"This Is What Women Want"
As part of its "This Is What Women Want" series focusing on the issues that matter most to real women, the Center for New Words will hold a pre-debate speak-out at the University Club. The speak-out will start at 5 p.m.

Third party candidates debate
Professor Bruce Barry will moderate a debate of several third party presidential candidates, including Brad Lyttle, Charles Jay, Gloria LaRiva, Frank McEnulty, Darrell Castle and Brian Moore. The debate, hosted by the Coalition for October Debate Alternatives, will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in Room 4309 in Stevenson Center.

Tuesday, Oct. 7
"The 2008 Presidential Election: Where We Stand and Where We Are Headed"
The First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt will host a forum of national experts, including Mike Allen, John Geer, Howard Fineman, John Harwood, Joe Klein and Richard Stengel, who will discuss their thoughts on the 2008 presidential election. John Seigenthaler and Harold Ford Jr. will lead the discussion. The panel, open only to Vanderbilt students, will last from 10 a.m. to noon.

Debate viewing parties
Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center
The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center will host a debate viewing party that will include refreshments, mingling before the debate and discussion afterward. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Commons Center
Immediately following a viewing party, faculty members Stephen Buckles, John English, Cynthia Paschal and Vanessa Beasley will participate in a panel discussion of the debate. The viewing and discussion will be held in the Multipurpose Room in the Commons Center and will begin at 8 p.m.