The stage is set as Clinton, Trump prepare for first presidential debate

ATLANTA — With millions watching and the American presidency on the line in November, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are poised for a must-see showdown Monday night, pitting the Democrat's call for steady, experienced leadership against the Republican's pugnacious promises to upend Washington.

The 90-minute televised debate comes six weeks before Election Day and with early voting already getting underway in some states. Despite Clinton's advantages, including a sophisticated get-out-the-vote operation and a favorable electoral map, the race is exceedingly close.

For Clinton and Trump, the first of three debates is a crucial moment to boost their standing with voters who view both candidates negatively. Clinton struggles with questions about her trustworthiness, while Trump has yet to prove to some voters that he has the basic qualifications to serve as commander-in-chief.

Channel 2 political reporter Lori Geary talked to Republican and Democratic strategists Monday about what the candidates need to do to come out on top.

“She's got to come out right away and not have a traditional opening statement,” Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson said about Hillary Clinton.

“I think Donald Trump has to pass the commander-in-chief test,” Republican strategist Brian Robinson told Geary.

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Johnson says Clinton has to stay on message, be sincere and talk policy.

“What she's got to do is come out and force Donald Trump to talk about the issues that matter most to the American people. What she cannot do is get into a bar-fight mode with this guy,” Johnson said.

“He's not going to out-policy her, out-wonk her, he needs to cut her. Nobody is better at it than he is,” Robinson said about Trump.

Robinson told Geary while Clinton has experience on the debate stage, Trump has a memorable way of getting his message to voters.

“Talking about national security, for him, there are dangerous people here. Get them out. It's clear that's a soundbite. For her, well, some of these people are really nice and they really want to be in America. It’s nuanced,” Robinson said.

“My friend is the king of spin,” Johnson said about Robinson. “Here's the bottom line, Lori.  With 43 days left, I think the American people know and the polls show it, that Donald Trump is losing this race right now. He has more to gain tonight.”

Cox Media Group