It's being called the most important week in Mitt Romney's political career. A home run appearance when he debates President Obama on Wednesday may be the only way to fire up his campaign. Needless to say, both he and the President are practicing hard. YNN's Josh Robin has the latest from the political trail.

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UNITED STATES -- The President headed to Las Vegas to ask for votes. His challenger went to church to ask for guidance.

In fact, nearly a month before Election Day, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney probably need help, divine or otherwise. Polls notwithstanding, anyone could win this race.

"Excuse me, as Bill Fitch said, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings and the fat lady ain't singing until November 6th," said Doug Muzzio of Baruch College.

Romney is the clear underdog. The blue on this swing state map is where Obama leads, by single digits, according to Marist College, NBC and the Wall Street Journal. Most worrisome for Romney is Ohio. No Republican has won the nation without also taking the Buckeye State.

"September was not a good month for him," said Marist College pollster Lee Miringoff.

Supporters counter the numbers will shift the other way.

"That is Wednesday night, when Governor Romney, for the first time, gets on the same stage as the President of the United States and people can make a direct comparison about them and their visions for the future and Wednesday night's the restart of this campaign," said New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

So that's why, for the most part, until Wednesday, we won't see either man. They'll be prepping for the big night: Obama at a Nevada resort, Romney in Colorado, where the debate will be held. In the meantime, we are hearing both sides set the expectations for their candidate.

Obama said, "Governor Romney is a good debater, I'm just okay."
Notably, Team Romney had mixed messages.

"Look, President Obama is a very gifted speaker. The man's been on the national stage for many years. He's an experienced debater, he's done these kinds of debates before. This is Mitt's first time," Paul Ryan said.

"This whole race is going to be turned upside down Thursday morning," Christie said.

Wednesday's head-to-head event will focus on the economy. Romney is also using unrest overseas to strip Obama of his advantage. The Republican says the White House gave mixed messages about last month's attack in Libya. He also reportedly plans a foreign policy speech after the first debate.