Democratic Debate #1 Tonight: Why this is important for outside contenders

The Democratic Debate, which tonight on CNN airs 8:30 EDT live from Nevada will consist of five out of the six major candidates in the Democratic field: Former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, former Virginia Senator Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee. Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig was not invited to the debate. This debate is especially important for O'Malley, Webb, and Chafee, since they are all polling under 5 percent, making this debate a big chance to get more recognition for their ideas.

Martin O'Malley could benefit from the national exposure the debate will bring for him

Webb will try to appeal to Democratic voters hoping for a more right alternative to Clinton, while O'Malley and Chafee could try to sway voters on either side of Clinton, though I would expect them to portray themselves as on the right since Bernie Sanders has a solid footing as the left alternative to Clinton.