Crews prepare the stage for the Republican presidential debate that took place Wednesday, September 16, at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The stage was <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2015%2F09%2F15%2Fpolitics%2Fcnn-debate-stage-setting%2F" target="_blank">45 feet high</a> so that it would be level with the Air Force One used by former President Ronald Reagan.
Crews prepare the stage for the Republican presidential debate that took place Wednesday, September 16, at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The stage was 45 feet high so that it would be level with the Air Force One used by former President Ronald Reagan.
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A piece of tape indicates Donald Trump's podium on stage.
A piece of tape indicates Donald Trump's podium on stage.
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Candidate Rick Santorum tries on virtual reality glasses shown to him by debate moderator Jake Tapper, right.
Candidate Rick Santorum tries on virtual reality glasses shown to him by debate moderator Jake Tapper, right.
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CNN's Dana Bash, another one of the debate's moderators, speaks with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie before the start of the debate.
CNN's Dana Bash, another one of the debate's moderators, speaks with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie before the start of the debate.
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These were the two red chairs used by Bash and fellow moderator Hugh Hewitt during the event.
These were the two red chairs used by Bash and fellow moderator Hugh Hewitt during the event.
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Candidate Jeb Bush poses with CNN-labeled water ahead of the debate. He jokingly asked if he would get extra time if he held it up during the debate.
Candidate Jeb Bush poses with CNN-labeled water ahead of the debate. He jokingly asked if he would get extra time if he held it up during the debate.
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker takes a tour of the stage and has the debate rules explained to him.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker takes a tour of the stage and has the debate rules explained to him.
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A portrait of Reagan hangs inside the library.
A portrait of Reagan hangs inside the library.
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Candidate Ben Carson is interviewed by CNN's Athena Jones as he arrives at the debate.
Candidate Ben Carson is interviewed by CNN's Athena Jones as he arrives at the debate.
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reaganfoundation.org%2Flistviewf.aspx%3Fsession_args%3D6pFfN1gGAbKXdUufGbuVXA%3D%3D%26p%3DLM2023EAF1%26tx%3D18%26h1%3D3%26h2%3D7%26sw%3Dex_af1%26lm%3Dlibraryandmuseum%26args_a%3Dcms%26args_b%3D34%26argsb%3DN" target="_blank" target="_blank">Reagan's Air Force One</a> was the backdrop for the debate.
Reagan's Air Force One was the backdrop for the debate.
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CNN's Kate Bolduan interviews U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham ahead of his appearance in the so-called <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2015%2F09%2F16%2Fpolitics%2Flindsey-graham-republican-debate-performance%2Findex.html">undercard debate</a>.
CNN's Kate Bolduan interviews U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham ahead of his appearance in the so-called undercard debate.
DAVID S. HOLLOWAY/CNN
Bolduan works after the debate.
Bolduan works after the debate.
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Tapper stands in front of cameras after debate rehearsal.
Tapper stands in front of cameras after debate rehearsal.
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The empty debate stage the day before the event.
The empty debate stage the day before the event.
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