New Hampshire Today, Sept. 26

In New Hampshire today Democratic presidential candidates take the stage at Dartmouth College tonight for their first debate this fall.

The debate (airing on NECN and MSNBC at 9pm) comes as new University of New Hampshire poll shows Hillary Clinton solidifying her lead over Barack Obama and John Edwards.

Iraq, healthcare, and Iran could loom large as issues tonight. Each candidate will try to address those issues by stressing the themes of their campaigns. Clinton will be expected to say how she has the experience to address the issues; Obama will talk about change; Edwards will argue the political system is rigged.

Joe Biden, one report says, will be leaving New Hampshire tonight and rarely coming back. He is Iowa or bust.

Before the debate Chris Dodd is expected to hold an event in West Lebanon and Obama will attend a rally in Peterborough.