Transcript for Obama vs. Romney: Debate Countdown

The president today spending several hours at the democratic national committee in washington, a safe bet some of this time was debate prep. He'll practice more this weekend. Mitt romney already holding mock debates. And look at this tonight. Do you remember this face? The question from this voter? It was a turning point in a debate from years ago and when you hear her, you'll likely remember it. Tonight, how both campaigns are trying to avoid debate pitfalls. We will win ohio. We've got to win in virginia. Reporter: After chasing each other through the same states, now, they're preparing for the same stage. The president heads to nevada for debate prep. Rom flee, holding mock debates. And tonight, in an effort to lower expectations, each campaign lavishing praise on the other guy. A senior romney adviser writing "president obama is a uniquely gifted speaker and is widely regarded as one of the most communicators." The obama campaign saying that romney will be disciplined and aggressive, pointing to the 20 debates romney had in the primaries. As we said before, debates can hinge on one moment. How has the national debt personally affected each of your lives and if it hasn't, how can you honestly find a cure for the economic problems of the common people if you have no experience in what's ailing them? Well, I think the national debt affects everybody. Obviously, it has a lot to d with interest rates. She's saying you personally. Personal basis, how has it affected you? Has it affected you personally? Well, I'm sure it has. I love my grandchildren -- how? I want to think that they're going to be able to afford an education. If y're -- maybe I'll get it wrong. Then candidate bill clinton walking toward her. You know people who lost their jobs, lost their homes? Yeah. Well, I've been governor of a small state for 12 years. I'll tell you how it's affected me. In my state, when people lose their jobs, there's a good chance I'll know them bill their names. I know the people who ran the factories. debate in '92, this could be all about which one of them can connect with average problems, right? It becomes another "cares about you" moment and mitt romney has to understand people's problems. Reporter: And both the president and mitt romney trying to avoid their own pitfalls. The president against hillary clinton. He's very likable. I agree with that. I don't think I'm that bad. You're likable enough, hillary. Thank you. Reporter: And there was romney's bet -- rick, I tell you what. 10,000 bucks? 10,000 bet? I'm not in the betting business but I'll show you --

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