GOP candidates take a test drive

Students stand in for the candidates as final preparations are made on tonight's debate stage.

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) - As thunderstorms raged overhead at Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, the Republican candidates walked through the arena one by one to get their look at the stage and their waiting rooms.

Sen. John McCain looked at ease, R-Arizona, as he stood behind his assigned podium and, moments later, sat in the chair he'll occupy during the question and answer segment with the audience.

Next, it was former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's turn. He wore a smile from ear to ear as he walked past the empty red and blue seats and made his way onto the stage making sure to shake anyone and everyone's hand with in arm's length as he walked by.

The walk throughs were scheduled so that the candidates would be in the arena one at a time. But as Rudy was walking out, Sen. Brownback, R-Kansas, was waiting by the exit for his turn. There was an exchange of pleasantries between the two, a hearty hand shake, and a "How are you feeling, are you ready for tonight, best of luck to you" chat before they went their own ways, Giuliani still shaking hands as he made his way to his van in the pouring rain.

- CNN Radio Correspondent Steve Kastenbaum