Senators Barack Obama, left, and John McCain

Tonight is the night, as they say.

Millions are likely to tune in tonight for what will be the second presidential debate. Senators John McCain and Barack Obama will square off at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. The debate will be moderated by NBC News Special Correspondent and “Meet the Press” Moderator Tom Brokaw.

This debate will be unlike the others in that it will be a town hall format, much like the one moderated by ABC News Anchor Charlie Gibson between President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry back in 2004.

That debate was said to be a draw, as both candidates did equally well.

Some observers and analysts believe that this format gives Sen. McCain an advantage, as it’s the format he uses in many of his rallies. It’s also the format McCain chose earlier in the year when he invited Obama to participate in 10 town-halls — an invitation Obama declined.Unlike the first debate (which was supposed to be limited to foreign policy) and the next and final debate (which will look at the economy and domestic policy) tonight’s debate will present questions from the audience. That will likely force the candidates to cover all their bases. So who does best tonight, and who eventually wins the race, may depend as it should on the intent and the will of the voters.

As for what I’ll be looking for, I’ll be looking to see whether Sen. McCain is tough-talking and persistent, and to see whether he goes at Sen. Obama as forcefully as his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has done as of late. Some see Obama’s cool and calm demeanor as the reason he’s appealing to many. It shows him as consistent, though some may view it as weak. McCain’s appeal may be that he is seen as a fighter, and tough talking.

So in the end, will more be said about the candidates’ words or demeanor?

What will we say tomorrow about what moderates are thinking, what about the undecided, what about those first time voters?

I look forward to hearing what your take is.

Talk to me, comment here, or e-mail me cenelson at gmail dot com.

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