TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

NBC's 'Today' Show Stops To Take Tampa's Pulse

News Channel 8 photo by MAURICE CAPOBIANCO

The crowd lined up early at the University of Tampa.

ADVERTISEMENT

By WALT BELCHER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2008

TAMPA - The "Today" show's political road trip stops at the University of Tampa today with Matt Lauer and Al Roker broadcasting live.

The NBC morning show is on a four-day blitz to take the pulse of voters for the upcoming presidential election. Stops include battleground states of Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia and Michigan.

"Today" producer Jim Bell said the race between Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama has generated more interest than any in recent history.

"We decided to go to states that are going to have a major say in the election," he said.

With six weeks until Election Day, and just days before the first debate on Friday night, polls indicate McCain holds only a slight lead over Obama, who will be making a campaign stop in Dunedin on Wednesday.

"Things can change fast in this election as both camps are fighting it out," Bell said. "We want to come to Tampa because we feel the west coast of Florida reflects the way a lot of the country is wrestling with the issues."

An interview with McCain was featured on Monday's program. Lauer plans to interview Obama for today's show, Bell said.

The plan is for Lauer and Roker to broadcast live from UT's Plant Hall from 7 to 9 a.m.

The public can come and watch, but parking may be difficult. University of Tampa spokesman Eric Cardenas said that because classes are in session, there will be no parking available on campus. Spectators will have to use metered parking on nearby streets.

Much of Lauer's reporting will be from the Plant Hall veranda on the east side of the building. Roker's reports will be based near the fountain in front of Plant Hall. Portions of the campus lawn will be roped off for spectators.

NBC affiliate WFLA, Channel 8, will have live coverage from the university between 5 and 7 a.m. News Channel 8 morning co-anchor Gayle Guyardo is expected to interview Lauer during that time and meteorologist Jennifer Hill may do a segment with Roker.

Lauer is set to interview Gov. Charlie Crist, Bell said. Lauer will focus on Florida voters who are undecided. The results of a customized NBC News poll of Florida will be discussed. Among those who are expected to weigh in on Florida politics is Tampa Tribune columnist Dan Ruth.

Roker plans to chat with Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ronde Barber, and they will be joined live via satellite from New York by Ronde's twin brother, NBC's Tiki Barber.

Roker also will sample Cuban cuisine, doing a cooking segment with local chefs. The University of Tampa's pep band might get some airtime.

Additionally, NBC News' Michelle Kosinski will be live from Fort Myers, looking at the real estate crash and credit crisis, and its effect on Florida.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT