CNN

Polls show that the candidates are in a close race for the White House.

ABOARD THE CNN ELECTION EXPRESS (CNN)

There's something that Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama won't hear tonight.

They'll hear the words of Tom Brokaw, the moderator of the debate here in Nashville, Tennessee.

And they'll hear questions from some members of the audience, who will be permitted to speak at the town hall-style event.

They'll probably hear applause from people gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the arrival and departure of the next president.

But McCain and Obama will not hear what may be the most important voices of all:

The voices of people all across the United States, watching the debate at home, who will be talking at their television screens - addressing the candidates as if they know them, sometimes praising them, sometimes insulting them, often advising them.

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