Less than five weeks from Election Day, Obama has political momentum and an edge in polls of the battleground states that will determine the election. But he's expected to face a blistering challenge from Romney, who needs to use Wednesday's debate in Denver to change the trajectory of the race.
The president retreated to a desert resort in Nevada for three days of intensive debate preparation for Wednesday night. He's joined by a cadre of top advisers, who are focused on helping Obama trim his often-lengthy explanations to fit the debate format.
Equally important is coaching Obama to look calm and presidential during an onslaught of criticism from Romney.








