Blogging Live From the GOP Debate

Note: We'll be updating this story throughout the day. Scroll down to see the earliest posts.

Update 7:45 p.m.: The spin room wasn't quite what I was expecting. The spokespeople for each campaign were there and volunteers held signs above each of their heads to let us all know who is who. On the way out, I noticed the view from the library again (see the photo) and ended the day where I began it. Thank you, everyone, for reading.

Update 5:50 p.m.: Is anyone a fan of the tributes/looks back/feel-good and gushy tributes they just showed regarding Ron and Nancy? I don't mind them, I just don't understand why they choose to air them in the middle of the debate. I generally feel the same with the "up close and personal" moments with athletes, etc. during Olympics coverage and whatnot. Those are all good and well, just maybe show them before or after the event. But maybe that's just me?

Update 5:30 p.m.: Not much reaction to Gingrich's remarks on the media suggesting it (we) have an agenda... should I be surprised?

Update 5:15 p.m.: By the way, if you're reading and watching the debates, please give your reactions in the comment section. I'd love to read what you're thinking and how the things the candidates are saying are affecting you. Let's get a conversation going!

Update 5 p.m.: Not much can make a room full of journalists quiet down, but that's what happened as the debate started. Now the loudest sound, other than Perry's voice, is the click click of keyboards as writers alread start to recap what the politicians are saying.

Strike that. It's not so silent when a candidate gets a cut in... as they just did. Since my days at Berkeley, I haven't watched debates with large groups of people—and never with a group this big. I think this is going to be fun.

Update 4:15 p.m.: In the filing room, there are 12 television sets all airing MSNBC. Chris Matthews is sitting in front of Reagan's Air Force One. Personal politics aside, I'm wondering if Plane + Matthews (and guests) = Tailspin? (My apologies. I can't resist even bad puns.)

The actual plane that carried Reagan more than 660,000 miles to 26 foreign countries and 46 U.S.states is housed in an indoor pavilion here at the library. It's generally open for visitors to step inside and walk through, but today, the pavilion is where the debate is taking place.

Most of the reporters won't be as lucky as Matthews and get a chance to get even a glimpse of the plane today. Instead, outside the filing room window is an F-14 Tomcat, which is pretty cool... but might be more appropriate in the room where the knock down, drag out debate is about to take place.

Update 3 p.m.: A ripple went through the press room a few minutes ago. Apparently Ron Paul just got here. I've been hanging out in the relative comfort of the spin room. There are no chairs, just riser platforms, but I'm happy to sit crosss-legged on these small stages with my computer on my lap in exchange for the cool air and quiet in here. (I'm posting a photo from the back of the room to give you an idea of what it looks like.)

Currently I'm standing on Al Jazeera's stage. I think that may be the only time in my life I'll have cause to write that sentence. Tom Kisken, who's here providing color for the Ventura County Star, was the one who told me they had a space here. He also mentioned the Daily Show has a space as well. What he didn't tell me is they share a platform. Chuckles to the person who decided where to place everyone.

Update 1:15 p.m.: I was wrong; nobody was in the spin room. And I mean nobody, which surprised me because it, unlike the filing room, is air conditioned. The filing room itself is relatively empty as well. (See the photo I just posted) The library folks are pumping air into the room, which is actually a large white tent, but it doesn't seem to be having much affect. Still, there are places to plug in our laptops and a table on which to set them so I'm not complaining.

But you know where else there's a table to type from? The cafe. I wandered up here to the second story of the library to see if I could find something for lunch—and a cold bottle of water—and what do you know, THIS is where the television reporters are hanging out. You can tell because they're the only ones who are suffering in suits. And makeup—men and women. I'm the worst when it comes to recognizing movie stars and other celebrities in person, so it's with heavy heart that I can't report running in to so-and-so yet. Unfortunately, even in my own field, I'm no good at the name game. But I can tell you there's a British man wearing what looks like heavy makeup and speaking loudly about economics and politics on his cell phone to my left. He must be important. Or thinks he is?

To my right are a few reporters trading war stories. Literally. I figure they're photojournalists. They're wearing jeans. I'm not a fashionista by a long shot, but one does notice a general "uniform" for the different types of journalists.

Behind me is another set of suits talking about how "the morning show" went and commenting on the audience response. I don't think I can surreptitiously sneak a photo, so I guess we'll all have to wonder....

One thing we don't have to wonder about is whether Rick Perry will be at the debate. There had been some question whether the fire raging in Texas would keep him there. It's probably old news to the folks in the outside world following the news, but I just heard he'll be here for sure. This will be the first debate he's participating in.

Noon: Hello everyone and greetings from the Reagan Presidential Library, where the heat is on ... and with temperatures expected to get as high as 103 degrees today, I mean that literarlly.

The debate with the lead GOP candidates doesn't begin until 5 p.m. but I'll be writing throughout the day just to share what goes on here, practically in our backyard. In fact, I can see Moorpark from the room/tent I'm in.

I've checked in, received my media credentials and staked out my assigned spot along the long rows of tables set out for the press. NBC, which is sponsoring the event, left reporters' notepads and mints for us all, which was pretty cool—but not as funny as the Jelly Belly candies that came in a water bottle the library gave to everyone checking in. Cute.

I've also just met Huffington Post senior political editor Howard Fineman (Patch is a part of the Huffington Post Media Group, owned by AOL). Nice guy. A veteran at this sort of thing, Howard explained that after the debate the press will rush the spin room, where all the analysts will be telling television viewers what to think about what they just saw (those are my words, not his). He's asked me to help take quotes from folks there, which I'm glad (even a little excited) to do. Watch for Howard on NBC, as he's serving as an analyst for them tonight as well, from what I understand.

I think I'm going to go take a look around and check out the spin room. I'm guessing that's where all the familiar television talking-head types will be, at least eventually. I'll be checking in soon. If you have thoughts, observations or questions, don't hesitate to help start a conversation by writing in the comment section. I'll do my best to address comments as they come in.