This story is by Dan Hirschhorn in Philadelphia and Alex Roarty in Harrisburg

With presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama set to face-off in the first of three presidential debates tonight, PolitickerPA.com asked local political insiders on both sides of the aisle what they think their candidates need to accomplish in the coming debates.

Here are their responses.

State Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County):

"[McCain's] so humble, he must incorporate his personal story. His heroism in Vietnam and his family story - he has to incorporate his message. ... John McCain needs to keep going after spending. People are tired of excess spending, tired of earmarks, tired of corruption that comes with spending."

Lowman Henry, president of the conservative Lincoln Institute:

"Simply be calm, be reassuring, be in command and steady in tone of voice. Let his experience and knowledge on foreign affairs shine through. ... Obama tends to talk a lot in generalities. McCain needs to do what he did at the Saddleback Forum, and if he does that, I think he'll end up being the clear winner of the debate."

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Montgomery County):

"[Obama needs to] be as clear as he can be about what he believes in and what he will do that will really make a difference in [voters'] lives. Point out, correctly, that John McCain is for four more years of President Bush's policies. I think Sen. Obama is perfectly positioned to do well in this debate. He is articulate, he's clear, and he looks presidential.

Larry Ceisler, Democratic political consultant:

"[Obama needs to] show that he has the experience to be president of the United States, and that he carries himself like a commander in chief. Experience is McCain's issue, so if Obama can communicate that he has the experience and judgment requisite to be president and he can carry that off one on one with McCain, that's what he needs to do."