Alan Keyes squeeks into today's GOP debate

MSNBC's First Read:

There is one additional Republican presidential candidate who will be on the stage here at the GOP Des Moines Register/Iowa Public Television debate this afternoon: Alan Keyes.

This will be the first major debate this cycle featuring the former presidential candidate and ambassador, who most recently faced off against Barack Obama in the 2004 Illinois Senate race (even though he actually hails from Maryland). Keyes did participate in the Tavis Smiley-moderated GOP debate in September, which the top Republican candidates skipped.

In the cross hairs this afternoon - Huckabee: "Today marks the first GOP meeting since Huckabee shot to the top of polls in Iowa and near the top of polls nationally." - Des Moines Register

And among the Democrats, Hillary's poll woes continue (but I'm betting she'll weather it).

You can watch the debate live (2pm EST) right here.