And hello from Detroit, we're the first of two CNN Democratic debates as fast approaching.

I'm Anderson Cooper.

Thanks for joining us.

And I'm Erin Burnett, thrilled to be with you, Anderson.

And tonight, 10 candidates with a lot to prove, especially the two in the middle that you

see on your screen and on the debate stage tonight.

Progressive senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both here tonight.

And the top tier of the polls, they are close.

Colleagues, they are old friends, but tonight, they are facing off for the first time.

And there's is only one of many big storylines tonight.

It's getting down to do or die.

Who will have a breakout moment in what may be the last chance for some who will try and

stumble and how big of a role will President Trump play?

All that and more is we are getting closer to what really is a make or break debate for

so many.

Anderson.

Yeah, Erin, I want to tackle the Sanders Warren face off first and some of the other key themes

to watch for tonight.

Joining us right here is CNN senior political analyst, Axe Piles, host former top advisor

President Obama, David Axe Roth, CNN chief political analyst, Gloria Borgia, CNN chief

political reporter, Niemelika Henderson, and CNN political director, David Challien.

Do you expect, Gloria, Sanders and Warren to actually come to, I mean, have a close?

...