On the eve of the Detroit debate among candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, Wayne State University and Newsweek magazine will present, "Road to the White House," a public forum of distinguished political experts and academics discussing the importance of Michigan's role in presidential politics.

The panel presentation, which is free and open to the public, will convene on the campus of Wayne State University, in the Spencer Partrich Auditorium of the Law School on Thursday, Oct. 23. at 6:30 p.m. A reception in the lobby outside the auditorium will precede the event at 6 p.m.

Eleanor Clift, Newsweek contributing editor, will introduce and moderate the panel made up of:

* Phillip Abbott, College of Liberal Arts professor of political science and expert on the presidency;
* David Bonior, College of Urban Labor and Metropolitan Affairs university professor of labor studies and former United States House of Representatives minority whip;
* Emery King, political correspondent and guest host of the public affairs program, Flashpoint on WDIV/TV; and
* Candice Miller, Congresswoman from Michigan's 10th district.

A question and answer period will follow the panel presentation, and will be moderated by Richard Elling, chairman of the Wayne State political science department.