Obama and Clinton face off in Ohio

The two main Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are squaring-off in a live televised debate in Ohio.

It is their final face-to-face encounter before next week's crucial primaries in Ohio and Texas.

Mr Obama is regarded as the front-runner, after winning the previous 11 primaries and caucuses.

Analysts say Mrs Clinton needs big wins in both states to stay in the race to choose the Democratic candidate.

After 19 debates spanning the better part of the last year, tonight's one on one between Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton could be the last time the two appear on stage together for some time.

The debate -- set on the campus of Cleveland State University and sponsored by MSNBC -- comes at a critical juncture in the Democratic presidential race. Not only is it occurring one week before the Ohio and Texas primaries, it also comes amid widespread questions regarding the shakiness of Clinton's position in the race and what she will do if she loses one (or both contests) next Tuesday.