The first Presidential debate between President Obama and Governor Romney is Wednesday night in Denver, and with a close Presidential contest comes sky high expectations for both candidates. 

These expectations have led both men to try to lower expectations for both of their performances.

Gov. Romney told supporters at a campaign rally, "In my view, it's not about winning and losing or even the people themselves, the President and myself. It's about something bigger than that."

Romney went on to say, "These debates are an opportunity for each of us to describe the pathway forward for America that we would choose. And the American people are going to have to make the choice as to what kind of America they want."

President Obama made similar comments trying to lower expectations, saying, "Governor Romney, he's a good debater, but what I'm most worried about is having a serious discussion about what we need to do to keep the country going and restore security for hard working Americans."

The debates can be game changers in the sense of reversing leads and giving big leads to the perceived winner.

According to Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, it isn't always about what the candidates say but how they say it.

Goodwin said, "Less important than what they say is how they appear. Do they treat their rivals with respect. Do they connect with the audience, do they respond at the moment they have to react."

You can watch full coverage of the debate on News 2 at 9:00pm. 

WFMY News 2