Live-tweeting the GOP debate in Iowa

All eyes are on the GOP hopefuls taking the stage tonight in Iowa ahead of Saturday's Ames Straw Poll.

The NBC political team will be live-tweeting the debate, offering minute-by-minute updates and analysis.

Tweets from Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro and Carrie Dann – as well as other NBC producers and correspondents – will appear in this space ahead of the 9 p.m. EDT debate.

**UPDATE** The event has ended. Check back here in the morning for First Thoughts!