A group of us have put together what we think is a great seminar tonight at Youngstown State University.

When the fall presidential campaigns needed a poster child for the besieged American economy, they came to Youngstown.

The resulting news reports from New York to London to Australia touted the valley as the place where the American dream died.

Tonight’s program analyzes those news reports with three national journalists as our guests.

Click here for a story we wrote showcasing the event.

Here's another story that touches on the whole topic.

The forum: “Assignment Youngstown: A Panel Discussion on the 2008 Election Reporting on the Working Class and Youngstown” will begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight at YSU’s Kilcawley Center. It’s open to the public.

There is free parking in the Lincoln/Fifth Avenue garage. Tell the attendant you are attending the lecture.  

Joining us on the project as well are several local bloggers who’ve devoted hours measuring and dissecting the Youngstown that people talk about. Check out these pieces timed specifically for tonight’s event:

Jim Jordan at http://elecpencil.wordpress.com

Chris Barzak posted at http://christopherbarzak.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/qa/

Tyler Clark at http://blog.tylersclark.com

Jaci Clark at http://blog.jaciclark.com