US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

(Getty)
(Getty)

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.

US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

(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.

US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

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.

US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

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.

US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

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.

US presidential debate - 5 things you need to know

The beer at the presidential debate (Patrick Gower)

Newshub.co.nz will be live streaming the full debate from 2pm.

Newshub.