Behind the Scene at the New Hampshire Presidential Debate

SEXY, is the word I'd use to describe the NH Debate set built in Sullivan Arena here in Manchester New Hampshire. Giant illuminated cubes stacked up on each other create an image to display the presidential seal on a posh blue carpeted stage. Red and Blue lights accented the long rows of empty seats that'll soon be filled with 300 select audience members by CNN. As I looked around the arena Mo Rocca from the Daily Show smiled for picture with an assistant just a few feet away and said "this is a picture I want on my website."

It was just thirty minutes past noon and production crews were putting the finishing touches on some lights and cameras. A team from CNN was meeting stage left discussing their plans quite intensely I could tell from the hand gestures of an executive. The space was pretty much empty except for a select group of people getting ready for tonight's event and secret service sweeping the area.

Accompanied by Steve Dodrill and Trent Spinner we walked down to the floor and onto the stage. The set is unique from any previous presidential debate because after the first hour of a moderated debate the presidential candidates will walk to the front of the stage, sit in rounded red chairs and answer select questions from the audience. A high polished red desk marked the location where panelists will contribute questions from.

The candidates are ready, the press is ready, the set is ready and soon it will be time for the debate to go live.