"The three general topics tonight are America's direction, achieving prosperity, and securing America. Obviously those are very general topics and anything can happen. I like the format. It might take Lester Holt out of things, but if a candidate does not tell the truth it's up to the other candidate to call them out. Hillary Clinton has an advantage because she has done these one-on-one debates before, while Mr. Trump has had debate experience only with a bunch of other people on the stage. Also, Hillary Clinton is much more versed in policies, she can razzle-dazzle with facts and figures. But Talking Points believes it is demeanor that Americans will be watching. For example, it will be unwise for Donald Trump to make faces and it would be a major mistake for Mrs. Clinton to sound shrill. Americans want problem-solvers, not foolish game players. The demeanor factor is extremely important tonight. And then there are the one-liners, such as that used by Ronald Reagan against Walter Mondale in 1984. And in 1988, Lloyd Bentsen zinged Dan Quayle in the vice presidential debate. Finally, if candidates get their facts wrong, as Gerald Ford did in 1976, it can spell big trouble. This time around, the polls are pretty much a dead heat, and if Donald Trump holds his ground tonight Hillary Clinton could be in major trouble. My prediction? As Mr. T once said, 'pain!' No matter how good Donald Trump performs, the press will say he blew it. No matter how astute Hillary Clinton may be, those who dislike her will continue to dislike her. It's not like anyone will be going to Disney World after this."

The Factor invited reaction and a prediction from the always-perspicacious Charles Krauthammer. "If I had to bet the house," Krauthammer said, "the candidate with the lowest bar usually wins. So Trump has a better chance of coming out ahead, but I don't think it's likely this will be a knockout blow. He has to show that you could see him sitting in the Oval Office, and if he does that he wins the debate. Hillary Clinton's job is to change an impression that has embedded itself in the national consciousness for 30 years, that she is not trustworthy. You're not going to change that overnight, but if she makes herself likeable enough she can win this election. If she doesn't shout and doesn't get angry, she could do something like that." Krauthammer expressed his hope that the candidates get pressed on the Charlotte riots and police brutality.

Former Obama economic adviser Austan Goolsbee joined The Factor with his advice for Hillary Clinton. The Factor asked Goolsbee how Secretary Clinton can separate herself from President Obama. "She should say that she has outlined her own program," he said, "that is different and distinct from what President Obama. She wants the biggest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower, she wants to make education debt-free for millions of Americans. President Obama did not do that, but we are turning a corner and people are feeling better." Goolsbee also tackled the issue of quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for the National Anthem. "I don't agree with what he's doing, but I'm glad that if someone wants to object he does it in a peaceful way. If I were Hillary Clinton, I would say that no one should take the condemnation of the police or their country lightly."

Just minutes prior to kickoff, Fox News anchor Brit Hume provided his veteran perspective. "I would first ask Hillary Clinton what 'Stronger Together' actually means," Hume said. "What answer to that question would possibly forward her cause? As for Trump, I would ask him if he has ever apologized in his life to anyone about anything. He once said he regretted something, but it seems peculiar that a man who projects such strength never apologizes. The willingness to say you were wrong is associated with strength, not weakness. The last man on earth I would want to be tonight is Lester Holt, who is in a very difficult position."

Finally, The Factor aired a clip from his Monday appearance on the Ellen program. He told Ellen to expect a civil debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, even though Trump is a "wild card guy." Democrat Mary Anne Marsh and Republican Katie Pavlich reacted. "It's impossible to over-hype this debate," Marsh declared. "More than 100-million people will watch it and the first fifteen minutes could decide the outcome of the election. The most important and revealing question is why you want to be president of the United States." Pavlich put forth her ideal question for Secretary Clinton. "I would ask Hillary Clinton how she plans to represent those Americans who believe she is above the law, that there is a different legal standard for her than for them. And for Donald Trump, first impressions are everything." The Factor concluded, "I would ask Donald Trump why he won't release his tax returns, and I would ask Hillary Clinton whether President Obama's mistake of withdrawing troops from Iraq was a mistake."