Here comes the Democratic debate!

Five Democratic candidates take the stage for the first Democratic presidential debate Tuesday night.

CNN is hosting the first sanctioned Democratic debate, which begins at 8:30 p.m. ET. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be standing center stage, flanked by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), former Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia), and former Rhode Island Gov. and US Sen. Lincoln Chafee.

Clinton enters the debate as the clear front-runner, with 46% of Democratic voters supporting her, according to the Huffington Post polling average.

But since launching her candidacy earlier this year, her numbers have dropped significantly, as many Democratic primary voters have flocked to Sanders. The self-described Democratic socialist is leading Clinton in at least one key early-nominating state and is closing in on Clinton in another.

O'Malley is also likely seeking a much-needed boost in the polls, though some close to the campaign have suggested he may play it safe for the first debate in order to properly introduce himself to many voters who will see him for the first time.

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