Debates drawing in Baltimore

Large number of black households helps propel combined ratings to highest in U.S.

Election 2008

McCain supporters have gathered for each debate in different restaurants in Baltimore County. Walter Hayes, who has been organizing viewing parties, expects a big crowd at Bacoli Delight in Essex tonight. Still, he's surprised that Baltimore, a solidly "blue" city in a "blue" state, has tipped the ratings charts so aggressively.

"You would think more interest in an Ohio or a Virginia or in a dozen other states that are more in play," he said. "I figured we'd be interested, but I didn't think we'd be the most interested."

At the Johns Hopkins University, student Democrat and Republican organizations joined with a group called JHU Votes to organize viewing parties at a lounge in one of the dorms. More than 100 students turned out for the first one, which came with free ice cream for anyone who registered to vote or was already registered. Another is planned tonight.

At Morgan State, interest in the debates and the election in general is also hot, said Clarissa Higgins, a senior and editor of The Spokesman, the campus newspaper.

"It's history, and it's so powerful that it's not enough just that you see it," says Clarence M. Mitchell IV, a former state senator who now hosts an afternoon talk show on WBAL radio. "You make sure that your children watch TV and see it with you."

More coverage

McCain sibling blasts campaign. PG 15

Online: Zurawik

blogs on debate at baltimoresun.com/zontv

TV: Coverage of tonight's debate begins at 9 o'clock on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, FNC, CNBC and MSNBC