Grits, God and Guns: GOP Hopefuls Set to Duke it Out in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Republican presidential candidates take the debate stage Thursday night less than three weeks before the first voting takes place. It could be a crucial moment for any candidate who stands out in the crowd.

In the South, where grits, God and guns reign supreme, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, served up a perfect tone at a rally in Dorchester County, South Carolina, just north of Charleston.

"If we defend the Judeo-Christian values that built America, if we come together as We the People, then we will bring back, we will restore that last best hope for mankind, that shining city on the hill that is the United States of America," Cruz said before an excited audience.

Cruz brings momentum into this debate. He has a slim lead in Iowa and hopes his performance here will add to his political mojo.

His political nemesis Donald Trump remains the clear leader in national polls and he's been working crowds to provide "southern comfort" as well.

"We're going to win so much you're going to beg me, you're going to say, 'Mr. President, we're so tired of winning. We can't take it anymore. Please don't win anymore. Please Mr. President have one or two losses.' And I'll say, 'No, I won't do that. I won't do that because we are going to make America so great again,'" Trump said at a rally in Pensacola, Florida.

While Trump and Cruz are grabbing the headlines, verbal combat can be expected Thursday night from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as well. They all want to sound anti-establishment hoping to be in the final mix when all is said and done.

While Rubio doesn't have to necessarily win an early state like Iowa or New Hampshire, he needs a strong showing. He came to South Carolina a day early to reach voters here, since the Palmetto State is another early primary battle.

"I'm asking you for your vote and your support," Rubio said in Charleston. "I need you not just to vote for me, but find other people to vote for me. This is an important election. The stakes could not be higher."

The main stage will be more cozy because low poll numbers have bumped former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., off of it. Fiorina will appear in the undercard debate while Sen. Paul plans to skip the debate entirely.

@CBNNews and @TheBrodyFile will live tweet tonight's debate so be sure to check us out on Twitter. Log on to Facebook and Instagram throughout the day for more from South Carolina's Lowcountry.