CLEVELAND, Ohio — Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic will host the first presidential debate Tuesday, and Clevelanders are excited it’s happening in their backyard.
Cleveland residents like Gary Caldwell says the debate is an opportunity to highlight the city, which to him, has been pushed to the back of the line for many changes like this in the past.
“Cleveland for a long time has been overlooked. I mean, we had the Republican National Convention, but we have always been like the ugly stepsister of big cities,” said Caldwell.
Many say they feel like Cleveland is the perfect backdrop to host the first debate. Cleveland resident Julia Hazel says this is thanks to the diversity of the city’s residents.
“I’m excited that Cleveland is going to be in the spotlight and the place where both presidential candidates can go ahead and debate. Along with that, I know there is a good mix of people here so this should be pretty interesting,” said Hazel.
Many Clevelanders say they are looking forward to hearing what both candidates have to say. Possible topics of the debate might include the COVID-19 pandemic, race issues, and the Supreme Court following the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“I think it is going to be an interesting contrast in styles and personalities, and with it being so close to the election, I think this is going to be a major factor in how the undecided people vote,” said Caldwell.
The debate begins Tuesday at 9 p.m. and will last for 90 minutes.
