Robert Gibbs says President Obama is ready to rumble.
Obama's senior campaign adviser told msnbc just moments before Tuesday night's debate that it was likely the commander-in-chief would bring up abortion, immigration, and the importance of strengthening the middle class during the high-stakes face-off.
He said even if a question is not directly asked about abortion during the town hall-style debate, Obama could get into the subject while discussing healthcare.
Gibbs said it was "remarkable" that important issues like abortion and immigration have not yet been dissected.
He added that during debate practice this week, Team Obama gamed different scenarios, including battling Romney's denial that he plans for a $5 trillion tax cut and claims that his healthcare plan will cover preexisting conditions.
"If all we did was try to keep Mitt Romney from walking away from his position sand keeping him honest tonight, it would be a full-time job," lamented Gibbs. "But it's part of what the president will do."