Presidential rivals George W. Bush and Al Gore '69 arrive in Boston today facing enormous pressure to perform well in tonight's debate at UMass-Boston, an event that could mark the turning point in the race.

The candidates both laid low yesterday, making last-minute preparations. Spokespeople for both campaigns emphasized that their candidates were spending important portions of their day with "real people."

Bush made his only public appearance of the day at a rally in Huntington, W.Va., a coal mining town on the Ohio River, where he was introduced by a hard hat-wearing miner.

"[He was] talking to real folks, talking to real people about his issues," said Bush spokesperson Ken Lisaius.

"That's a great form of debate prep--talking to real people about what's on their minds," Lisaius added.

Gore, meanwhile, spent the past two days in Sarasota, Fla., holding discussions and debate preparations with 13 much-mentioned "real people" who he met along the campaign trail, said deputy national spokesperson Devona Dolliole.

She said Gore would arrive in Boston at 2:15 or 2:30 p.m., spending most of the day collecting his thoughts.

"He will come to the debate site for a brief walk-through and then return to his hotel to get ready for the debate," Dolliole said.