Susan Arbetter of WMHT is explaining the rules of the debate: No stand-ins for the candidates (which provoked some laughter); questions will alternate from audience to panel; opening statements will be three minutes only, responses to questions will be two minutes in length; only questions addressed to BOTH candidates will be considered; closing statements can't exceed two minutes; time limits will be strictly observed.

"I can be a real jerk," Arbetter joked about sticking to time.

-- 1:40 p.m.

The room here in the Saratoga Springs Public Library is jammed full and there's a line of people that aren't going to be able to get in. The candidates are both standing at their podiums and the debate is about to get underway shortly.

I think it will be interesting to see if both candidates keep their comments tailored to the obvious demographic of this AARP-sponsored debate, or if they'll veer off and make more sweeping comments.