[CNN] The Democratic nominee is off the campaign trail ahead of Sunday's debate, leaving media appearances and public rallies to her deep bench of high-profile surrogates, including her immediate family, the first family and  Former Vice President, Nobel Prize winner, and crazed sex poodle Al Gore. Clinton does, however, have fundraisers slated for Wednesday and Thursday, including one that will be open to cameras.
Advisers say the reason behind the decision is simple: the debate carries far greater importance than a standard campaign event. The first debate was viewed by more than 80 million, far more than the audience for any rally.
Clinton's top takeaway from her first debate with Trump was that preparation matters.
So ahead of the contest at Washington University, Clinton will hunker down with a select group of aides later this week to refine her attacks on Trump and prepare for the added level of difficulty created by a live audience that asks questions.
Clinton is spending Wednesday preparing for the town hall debate at her home in Washington.
John Podesta, the campaign chairman, Jake Sullivan, Clinton's top policy adviser, and Ron Klain and Karen Dunn, two top members of Clinton's debate team, were all seen entering her home. The small group of aides were joined by Sara Solow, Kristine Costa and Tony Carrk, all members of the small group of aides working with Clinton ahead of Sunday's debate. 
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