Donald Trump has really pulled back the nationwide polls, one even shows him ahead and the timing could not be better for him. A good showing tonight would be just the nudge he needs. He is behind - but winning this debate could put him in a winning position.
(Getty)
The candidates are too busy to put themselves out there, so a number of high-profile "surrogates" act in their place. Legendary Indiana Hoosiers College Basketball coach Bob Knight just came out for Trump before, and said: "preparing for a debate is like putting a team on the court". Not sure about that.
Bob Knight shaking hands with Donald Trump (File/Getty)
Around 100 million Americans are expected to watch, making it as big as the Super Bowl. There are 2500 journalists, and about 700 different major networks here. All the big-time journalists are here, like Fox's Carl "Campaign" Cameron, right down to the stragglers from Finland and New Zealand.
The press room (Patrick Gower)
The aftermath is as important as the debate itself, and that means there is a "spin room". Both sides come in into it and spin away to the world's media.
The Democratic "sitting room" (Patrick Gower)
Blue Point Brewers have made a "colonial ale" based on the home brew made by none other than President George Washington. It is a brown ale, made with oatmeal.
The beer at the presidential debate (Patrick Gower)
Newshub.co.nz will be live streaming the full debate from 2pm.
Newshub.