World's Eye on Springfield

Springfield is set for a visit from U.S. Senator Barack Obama tomorrow. He'll be there bright and early to announce his run for president. This event is attracting hundreds of media outlets from all over the world. Adam Brookes reports for the British Broadcasting Corporation. His crew is doing a bunch of stories about Springfield in addition to Obama's annoucement. Brookes says, "We've just come in a little bit early to get a sense of the atmosphere in Springfield, Illinois.. take a look at the place he comes from.. talk to some people.. because it's people in Springfield, Illinois who know him best." Brookes says people around the world are fascinated by Obama's rock-star status. But they'll also want to learn more about other presidential candidates as the election unfolds. He says, "What happens in America, what happens in the White House affects all of us too. He's not just your president. He's ours as well. So there's enormous interest in the next election and what is going to happen to America's foreign policy." With all the press coverage, Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin says he hopes it boosts tourism. He says Springfield's ready for what could be the biggest media frenzy this town's ever seen. Davlin says, "I think this actually has a lot more media coverage than when the President was here for the museum opening. I just take a look at the amount of press that have been credentialed and it's probably at least three times bigger than that." A spokesman for Obama's campaign says they expect about 500 media outlets to cover the announcement. The gates open to the public at 9 a.m. for Obama's announcement. It's on the lawn of the Old State Capitol in Downtown Springfield.