Both campaigns and political analysts will be watching the polls closely to see if the numbers move after tonight's town hall style debate.
A lot of how the candidates do will depend on their reactions to the questions and each other and their body language.
From the handshake to the gestures, political experts say there's much to be said from what is not being said.
"They're not hidden behind a podium or a desk, they're sitting on stools. The freedom to move, while it's good for a candidate can also be damaging," Holley Tankersly, chairman of political science at Coastal Carolina University says.
CCU communications professor Stephen Daniel says the goal of the non verbal cue is to show confidence and trustworthiness.
"Many people say that pointing is considered rude, so I do everything I can to avoid it so I either survey or I do this (shows thumb)."
Daniel says President Obama needs to make more eye contact. And Romney needs to focus on his smile.
"When Romney was listening to Obama, much like Joe Biden was criticized for his smile as well, he gave kind of this sideways smile," he said. "The public thought that was smug."
But bad body language might be inevitable. In a 2008 debate, Senator McCain wandered aimlessly around the stage. In 2000, Al Gore walked right up to George W. Bush in a particularly awkward moment. Then in 1992, there was a classic move from the first President Bush, where he checked his watch.
Daniel adds that doesn't mean voters should watch the debate with their televisions muted.
"Watch for those things, but get your information by actually watching it," he said.
You can watch the debate live tonight on your website www.carolinalive.com.
