Record Ratings Expected For Presidential Debate, But Will It Change Anyone's Mind?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The presidential debate is expected to hit record ratings numbers tonight as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump spar for the first time.
But will it impact Election Day? A pollster says it just might.
"You can't rule out almost anything tonight."
Franklin and Marshall pollster Terry Madonna says historically debates provide a 2-4 percent boost in the polls to the winner, similar to a political convention.
But, "they did not materially affect the outcome of the election."
Madonna says while roughly 85 percent of voters say they've made a mental choice in the Hillary Clinton versus Donald Trump race, about a third are persuadable.
"They could look at the debate, think about it and change their mind."
Or they solidify their decision. Madonna says little things will go a long way.
"Facial expressions, body language, all of that has a big impact."
Two voter groups pundits say are at play, educated white Republican voters and millennial voters who are leaning to third party candidates.