Jerusalem 5:30 a.m. Local Time
I'm standing in the middle of what is usually a simple marketplace, in the heart of Jerusalem. Today the normal routine is continually upset by the comings and goings of campaign staffers from all of the major campaigns. They are, of course, here on a very important mission: preparing for the debates.
There will be two major debates here in the coming week, and excitement is running high, mostly due to the fact that the people have never actually attended a debate. The first debate will be held outdoors to accommodate the crowds. The backdrop for this first, and very important event, is the Temple; and what better place to host a Messianic debate than the very dwelling of God? It has been reported that debates are not actually allowed inside the building, but there are no known laws, Roman or Jewish, prohibiting public gatherings on the Temple lawn.
Work has been going on here for days, and you can hear from this very spot the hammers pounding away as they construct the party platforms. Unfortunately, I am unable to get a closer look due to safety regulations, but witnesses report major progress and confidence that all will be ready by the time the candidates have arrived.
High attendance is expected for the first debate, and word has it that money is already changing hands for seats in the gallery. The hoped-for crowd of about five thousand people will have to scramble for seats and standing room.
The candidates, with the exception of Barabbas, are due to arrive early tomorrow. Provincial Governor and candidate Pontius Pilate has secured a private house for the event. Sanhedrin hopeful Malachai is a local man. Jesus of Nazareth is said to be on the road to Jerusalem already and is expected to arrive by evening. His disciples have already been seen in the city, mingling with staffers from the other campaigns. A few arguments have broken out, but for the most part they are all enjoying the debate atmosphere. It's nice to see that people can put aside their political differences and just enjoy each others' company.
You know, there's just something very animating about the election process. Seeing how everyone gets involved and works together to further the cause of their side is really a refreshing break from the usually dismal prospects of an occupation.
Jonah Ammitai, Good News Weekly, reporting.
I'm standing in the middle of what is usually a simple marketplace, in the heart of Jerusalem. Today the normal routine is continually upset by the comings and goings of campaign staffers from all of the major campaigns. They are, of course, here on a very important mission: preparing for the debates.
There will be two major debates here in the coming week, and excitement is running high, mostly due to the fact that the people have never actually attended a debate. The first debate will be held outdoors to accommodate the crowds. The backdrop for this first, and very important event, is the Temple; and what better place to host a Messianic debate than the very dwelling of God? It has been reported that debates are not actually allowed inside the building, but there are no known laws, Roman or Jewish, prohibiting public gatherings on the Temple lawn.
Work has been going on here for days, and you can hear from this very spot the hammers pounding away as they construct the party platforms. Unfortunately, I am unable to get a closer look due to safety regulations, but witnesses report major progress and confidence that all will be ready by the time the candidates have arrived.
High attendance is expected for the first debate, and word has it that money is already changing hands for seats in the gallery. The hoped-for crowd of about five thousand people will have to scramble for seats and standing room.
The candidates, with the exception of Barabbas, are due to arrive early tomorrow. Provincial Governor and candidate Pontius Pilate has secured a private house for the event. Sanhedrin hopeful Malachai is a local man. Jesus of Nazareth is said to be on the road to Jerusalem already and is expected to arrive by evening. His disciples have already been seen in the city, mingling with staffers from the other campaigns. A few arguments have broken out, but for the most part they are all enjoying the debate atmosphere. It's nice to see that people can put aside their political differences and just enjoy each others' company.
You know, there's just something very animating about the election process. Seeing how everyone gets involved and works together to further the cause of their side is really a refreshing break from the usually dismal prospects of an occupation.
Jonah Ammitai, Good News Weekly, reporting.