Ourselves and Our Posterity

April 16, 2008— -- PHILADELPHIA -- All eyes are once again on Philadelphia.

That's where Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will face off Wednesday night in an ABC News debate moderated by Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos.

The Democratic clash, which will air from 8:00 - 10:00 pm ET/PT, is taking place in the National Constitution Center -- just two blocks from Independence Hall.

With the Pennsylvania primary a mere six days away, the stakes couldn't be higher.

While Clinton is favored to win in the Keystone State, an ABC News/Washington Post poll shows that the drawn-out Democratic fight has taken a toll on the national image of the former first lady. Per ABC polling director Gary Langer, 58 percent of Americans now say she's not honest and not trustworthy, 16 points higher than in a precampaign poll two years ago. Obama beats her head-to-head on this attribute by a 23-point margin.

At the same time, the poll shows that there is little impetus to bring the Democratic fight to a close.

While Chelsea Clinton plans to be in the debate hall, Bill Clinton will once again watch from afar.

Per ABC's Sarah Amos, the former president plans to watch the debate in Pittsburgh with 28-year old Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County Chief Executive. Following the debate, Bill Clinton travels to Erie, Pa., which is where he begins a busy day of campaigning Thursday morning.

The Special Relationship:

All three presidential hopefuls are slated to nurture the Special Relationship on Thursday when they meet with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Washington, D.C. Obama meets with Brown at 9:00 am ET, Clinton meets with him at 10:00 am. ET, and McCain meets with him at 11:00 am ET.

Guvs Talk Climate Change:

On Thursday, Yale University hosts the 2008 Conference of Governors on Climate Change.

The two-day event will be attended by Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, Jon Corzine of New Jersey, Jodi Rell of Connecticut, and Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. The governors plan to sign a declaration calling for federal climate legislation that supports state efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Superdelegates discuss what issues are important in choosing an '08 candidate. LINK

2008 Democratic Debate in Philadelphia
Democratic presidential candidates gear up for a pivotal debate. LINK

Obama Touts 'Lasting Relationship with Jewish Community'
Sen. Obama holds a meeting at a Philadelphia synagogue in advance of PA primary. LINK

Clinton Surrogate Calls McCain 'Old'
Rep. Jack Murtha of PA says the role of president is "no old man's job." LINK

Pope: 'God Bless America'
Pope Benedict XVI tells WH crowd that freedom summons personal responsibility. LINK

Bush Welcomes Pope with Elaborate Ceremony
President Bush gives welcoming speech to Pope Benedict XVI on the South Lawn. LINK

The Bottom Line on Philadelphia
George Stephanopoulos breaks down tonight's debate. LINK

Gordon Brown in the U.S.
The British prime minister talks about England's role in the Iraq War. LINK

Bush Admires Pope's 'Moral Clarity'
Cokie Roberts reports that the president is excited about Benedict XVI's visit. LINK