Prayer Opens Pre-Debate

The pre-debate festivities have started - at least on stage. Watching the local news, the anchors quieted down as local pastor, Tracey Lind, stepped on stage to deliver an opening prayer. This caught me off guard. I haven't been privy to local debate coverage before, and I wonder if this is the norm?

While it is a minor issue, it is still a small reminder about the influence of religion in our national politics. What is the purpose of opening a primary debate with a prayer - regardless of whether it was non-denominational or not? It's especially notable as the event is being held at a public university.

After the prayer, however, the Cleveland Memorial Firefighters Pipes and Drums took the stage and livened the room up a bit.

They've since cleared the stage, which is being prepared for the opening remarks, which will feature Gov. Ted Strickland, who is very popular with a 61 percent approval rating, and is a Clinton supporter - though rumors of him possibly seeking the vice presidency have not caught hold.