Tonight's Debate Sets the Stage for
Tuesday's Primary Election in New Hampshire
Tonight's debate will reach thousands of New Hampshire voters and set the stage for the primary election on Tuesday.
Each candidate will have an agenda.
Mitt Romney needs a steady performance and the ability to answer attacks from rivals to maintain his front runner status. Some are predicting a "pile-on" by Gingrich, Santorum and Paul.
Rick Santorum will seek to build on the momentum created by his strong showing in Iowa and to establish himself as the strongest alternative to Governor Romney.
Ron Paul needs to demonstrate how his constitutional and consistent policies will benefit New Hampshire voters, and he must help voters overcome their fear of his foreign policy.
Newt Gingrich, frustrated and stymied by recent attack ads, is expected to confront the front runners, particularly Mitt Romney. He needs to avoid reinforcing his reputation as a "hothead" and to help viewers remember his previous successful debates.
Rick Perry, still reeling from poor past debate performances, is seeking to get back in the game with a very strong debate tonight that will show voters he really can compete in a general election.
John Huntsman had invested all his efforts in New Hampshire. His campaign depends on a performance that connects with voters tonight.
Tonight's debate begins at 9:00 PM ET and is sponsored by ABC News, WMUR, and Yahoo!.
You can watch the live stream tonight on WMUR and Yahoo! News.
Tomorrow's debate will be at 9:00 AM ET.
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