McCain previously said he would not take part in the debate so he could stay in Washington, D.C. to help hammer out an economic bailout package. However, Friday morning McCain said he would be there for the first of three debates with Obama.

Friday night's debate was supposed to focus on foreign policy, but moderator Jim Lehrer also included questions about the ailing economy.

As the candidates prepped for Friday night's debate, Columbia residents did the same by preparing to watch. Most of the residents already have their minds set on a candidate.

The locals pledged to watch the debate whether or not their candidate participated. Many residents hope to hear answers to questions about the ailing economy and government buyouts.

"What kind of regulations they will put in place for the banking system, so that we don't get in the same mess that we are currently facing right now," James Marz said.

"I know that this debate is supposed to be about foreign policy, but what's going on economically is affecting the whole world and I think we need a more responsible global prospective," MU English professor Aliki Barnstone said.