Brad, Josh, Trisha Lead Pre-Debate Show

CBS News chief Washington correspondent and moderator of "Face The Nation" Bob Schieffer and Brad Paisley at the Ryman Auditorium. 2008 Copyright Grand Ole Opry. Photo by Hollo Photographics, Inc.

Oct. 7, 2008 — Barack Obama and John McCain square off in the second of three presidential debates on Tuesday, and the much-anticipated showdown is broadcast to the nation from Belmont University in Nashville.

With tons of media in town for the event, several Belmont alums — including Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Julie Roberts and Trisha Yearwood — gave an invitation-only show Sunday night at the Ryman Auditorium to show off Nashville’s music and the college, which has an influential music-business program.

Darius Rucker was a surprise guest during the night — as was Bob Schieffer, the correspondent for CBS’ "Face The Nation" who will moderate the final debate Oct. 15. Like former CBS reporter Dan Rather, Schieffer is a big country-music fan, and he was quite appreciative of the chance to play on the stage of the Ryman, which was the home of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years.

"Can I say something I’ve wanted to say all my life?" the journalist said to the crowd. "I’m Bob Scheiffer, and I’m proud to be on the Grand Ole Opry! I’m appearing between Trisha Yearwood and Brad Paisley. I want to moderate that third debate, but I’ll tell ya, I won’t be feeling near the pressure I’m feeling tonight."

Belmont will get plenty of attention for the debate, but the school has already earned a reputation in the music business. Among the other artists who’ve attended the university are Lee Ann Womack, Ty Herndon, Restless Heart vocalist Larry Stewart and Diamond Rio guitarist Jimmy Olander.