your point. but this will generally be mathematical as well. those with the best poll number will get positions in the middle of the stage. the prime real estate. everybody out toward the edges is where the number are falling off. if you want to know where somebody stands in the polls, look at where they stand on the stage. >> thanks very much. joining me now, cnn chief correspondent john king. the candidates who will likely not make the top ten. they're certainly downplaying the importance of the debate. what else can they do? but regardless they want and need to make it next thursday night. i don't know this is probably one of the most widely debated. >> it may turn into a circus and those who don't make it may say, whoo! i'm glad i was not there. bachmann had her moment. almost everybody in the