Update 2:55 p.m.: Harry S. Truman once quipped, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." But right now, the adage "a watched pot never boils" is more appropriate.

It was anticipated that there might be some action over at Belmont today, either in the form of the national media descending or movement through the campus by a few partisan surrogate speakers. The only thing that materialized was a guy in a pig outfit on Belmont Boulevard protesting on behalf of PETA.

Bredesen's civility in politics seminar went off without a hitch, except for the fact that we misunderstood who was speaking. Former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw moderated as anticipated, but the panelists were Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, former Colorado Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, managing editor of Washington, D.C. political newspaper Politico Bill Nichols, and NBC News senior vice president Mark Whitaker.

Prior to the event, Bredesen did speak to media about what he hoped to accomplish by hosting the panel. He said, "I hope it helps us sort through what is gray and what is not – what's different today than how things used to get done and how to we get back."

Tomorrow should definitely bring more action as the candidates fly into town. Remember, if you can avoid the area around Belmont University tomorrow, your drive will be much smoother.

While the public and the press will not be allowed in the room for the town hall debate, be sure to catch the action at home or at one of the many debate watch parties being held around town. Among the watch parties will be events hosted by the Nashville Bar Association at the Belcourt Theatre, by the AARP at Centennial Park, and by City Paper contributor Steve Gill, whose "non-partisan" event will take place at the Union Station Hotel.