Political debates are no stranger to featuring discussions around current events and pressing issues. But tonight's democratic debate on CBS will be something of a first--a presidential debate immediately on the heels of an international terrorist attack.

How will the tragedy of Paris affect the Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley

CBS News' Executive Editor Steve Capus told The New York Times that he was in the middle of rehearsal for tonight's debate when news of the massive attack, which according to the latest reports left 129 people dead and over 180 others injured. And instead of canceling the debate, Capus and the team immediately began work on changing the angle of the debate to reflect recent events.

“This is exactly what the president is going to have to face,” he told The Times.

But even with pressing questions about how best to fight ISIS, which has taken responsibility for the coordinated attacks, as well as how prevent future terrorist attacks (especially on American soil), viewers can still count on hearing moderators grill the candidates on topics close to home.

"We're still going to ask questions about domestic policy and issues that all Americans care about. But clearly, with the events of last night we need to change the focus somewhat," The network's Washington Bureau Chief Christopher Isham said in a press conference today.

Tonight's democratic debate will take place in Des Moines, Iowa starting at 9 p.m. EDT and will be moderated by Face the Nation anchor John Dickerson, CBS News congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, KCCI-TV anchor Kevin Cooney and The Des Moines Register's political columnist Kathie Obradovich. It'll air on CBS and can be streamed online.

Tags
Democratic debate, Hillary clinton, Bernie Sanders