Brian Williams

NBC's Tim Russert and Brian Williams at the Cashman Theater Tuesday.: Getty Images PhotoPolitickerNV was inside the Cashman Theater debate hall during Tuesday night’s Democratic debate.  Here’s a sneak peek of what went on in the hall while the cameras weren’t rolling.

The crowd was in high spirits before any of the debate’s participants even took the stage.  Nevada Democratic chairwoman Jill Derby and U.S. Sen. Harry Reid each received partial standing ovations as they thanked the various sponsors of the debate, the 100 Black Men of America, the African American Democratic Leadership Council, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, IMPACTO, the College of Southern Nevada, the Nevada Democratic Party and NBC.

“Isn’t it great to be a Democrat in Nevada tonight?” Reid asked the crowd to cheers and applause.