Trump Vs. Clinton:The Lead-Up To The Final US Presidential Debate

What an experience to witness the American democratic process up close and personal as HillaryClinton and Donald Trump battled it out on stage amidst all of the drama that has defined this landmark election.

After a delayed flight full of anxious reporters, terrified they might miss the debate, I arrive in the vast McCarran Las Vegas airport for the final presidential debate.Amidst the sprawling billboards promising cheap booze and naughty adventures there are flashing signs (in true Vegas style) proudly welcoming people on both sides of the political landscape to Sin City.Outside, Im picked up in a massive stretch limo - it wouldn't be a trip to Vegas without it - and slowly progress to my hotel down the Vegas strip.There's just enough time for a very quick blow-dry and a change into the most patriotic dress I own, which was ironically designed by Marni Italians...

I'm rushed because we have to be ready to go four hours before the debate starts.The powers-that-be have warned of heavy security, long queues and fierce rules about entry times so I abide and leave the hotel promptly at 2.15pm (the debate starts at 6).It's a short drive to a large tent in the middle of a parking lot near the UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) campus but I feel like we're in the middle of nowhere.Quickly we are escorted inside and ushered through security - so much for the long queues.Of course, all my bracelets go off in the security screening and delay us.

Then on to a fleet of buses, which shuttle us to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV where there has been many an epic boxing match - tonight is a match of another sort.People are milling around in the hospitality suite, feeling excited and a bit apprehensive about the debate ahead.Its still nearly three hours before the start time so we wait and wait and wait.

Finally the doors open and everyone begins to make their way to their seats.The first two rows are held for the Trump and Clinton families, who everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of as they walk in. The bustle is interrupted by the two debate commissioners, who have come on stage to tell us the rules:"don't boo, don't clap, don't laugh, no matter what".The mandate is to be quiet and unresponsive, no matter what happens on the stage.It is absolutely freezing inside the auditorium, purposefully so to ensure that the speakers on stage will never be visibly sweating.So we all shiver and wait some more.

© Getty

Moments before the debate starts, the press, who are all in a row of boxes behind me, have three minutes to greet their viewers and prepare them for the "show" that is about to start.As the lights come up, moderator Chris Wallace and the families file in. The Trumps come first:Melania and Ivanka on the front row, his sons and their wives behind them.Immaculately coiffed, every single one of them.Then Bill Clinton and Chelsea walk to their seats - the auditorium silent in anticipation.It feels like everyone in the room is collectively holding their breath to see what is about to transpire.Then, as the tension reaches its peak - Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump themselves stride onto the stage.

© Getty

© Getty