The debate is being held in South Carolina, where African Americans are more than half of the Democratic electorate. Polls from the fall showed Sanders lagging badly in the Palmetto State, which holds its primary Feb. 27. In November a poll by Winthtrop University reported:

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Clinton was the choice of 71 percent of likely Democratic voters ... Sanders received 15 percent support, and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley got 2 percent. Among black voters, who make up more than half of South Carolina's Democratic primary voters, Clinton's lead was bigger — 80 percent to 8 percent for Sanders.

During the past few days, Clinton's campaign held numerous campaign events aimed at energizing black voters. On Saturday, several black members of Congress visited barber shops and beauty shops around Charleston to push Clinton's candidacy and on Sunday they attended numerous churches to represent her. Former attorney general Eric Holder also campaigned with Clinton over the weekend.

Sanders had some high profile supporters in town, too. Noted scholar Cornel West was a popular figure at South Carolina Democratic Party events, including a dinner and fish fry held Saturday night. Stephen Bishop, an actor who is most recently know for his role in the BET drama "Being Mary Jane," also attended events on Sanders's behalf, including emceeing a debate watch party Sunday night. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), perhaps the only member of the Congressional Black Caucus to endorse Sanders so far, also stumped for Sanders in Charleston. Atlanta rapper Killer Mike was in town and, along with Sanders, West and former Ohio state senator Nina Turner, took part in a live-streamed discussion about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.