"Throughout this campaign, whenever voters have heard directly from Al Gore on the issues, they have responded positively," Dolliole said. "Bush needs to score a significant victory in this debate to turn the race around."

Hundreds of Harvard students, both Democrats and Republicans, will participate in various rallies today.

Marc Stad '01, president of the Harvard College Democrats, said 300 Harvard students will participate in the Gore campaign's preparation. They will be driving in the motorcade that will transport Gore from his hotel to the debate site, helping Gore's advance team escort the national press corps or participating in "visibility" rallies and sign-waving in Boston.

"Throughout the entire day, the streets of Massachusetts are going to be lined with literally thousands of supporters for the vice president," Stad said.

Porter said 100 Harvard Republicans will attend pre- and post-debate Bush rallies at Murphy Memorial Rink in South Boston, while a few others will ride on a "Mobile Rally" bus, attend a posh fundraiser with Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) or enter the debate hall itself.

"This is going to be a big turning point in the campaign," Porter said. "It's a big opportunity for both Bush and Gore. It's going to be fun."