DENVER, Colo. (CNN) -- Today is the day. After weeks, even months of preparation, President Obama and Governor Romney will square off in the first presidential debate.
While organizers in Denver put the final touches on the debate stage, the candidates are putting the final touches on their debate skills.
This first showdown between President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney will focus on domestic issues with heavy emphasis on the economy, something we've heard a lot about on the campaign trail. President Obama says, "What I am most concerned about is having a serious discussion about what we need to do to keep the country growing and restore security for hardworking Americans."
Romney says, "Do you want four more years of 20 million people struggling to find a job?"
Both sides are trying to lower expectations. Romney told supporters at a recent campaign stop that the debate is not about winning. Senior Romney advisor Jim Talent says, "Governor Romney is probably a little bit the underdog but I think he's going to be ready. He's going to be ready on the issues which is really what this election's about."
On the other side, Obama advisors are spinning it in the incumbent's favor, saying the debate will pressure the challenger. Obama National co-chair William M. Daley says, "I think the debate's going to be interesting and they're going to have to back up their statements. I think they'll be held to account for more than they've been held to account for as far as the facts and the details."
Both candidates know that every question counts and fumbles can be costly. Republican consultant and CNN political contributor Alex Castellanos says, "Very few candidates ever win an election with a debate but quite a few have lost an election with a debate."
Meaning what happens tonight, could decide what happens on November 6.