Valley residents get ready to watch GOP debate
Valley residents are making plans to watch the first Republican Presidential debate of the year. Only 10 of the 17 candidates made the cut for the prime-time event.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 spoke with not only Republicans anticipating the event, but also Democrats and Independents who said they too will be watching the debate.
“People are going to watch it even if they are not politically driven, they just want to see a car crash,” said Bermuda Dunes resident Sean Mcleod.
“That is what I expect to see, something we will laugh at,” said Rancho Mirage resident Sheldon Krechman.
The first GOP prime time debate will feature the top ten candidates Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, John Kasich and Marco Rubio. It’s a crowded stage that many we talked to think will get up staged by Trump.
“Everyone wants to see what the Trump is going to do just for fun, but I’m interested in seeing how they come across,” said La Quinta resident Claire Lehr.
“Donald Trump is stirring things up, but I think it’s going to be short lived. I think the debates will bring out the true contender,” said Mcleod.
With the two hour format, people we talked don’t believe that’s enough time for each candidate to shine.
“I think they are too smart, I don’t think they will try to attack Donald because Donald knows how to respond,” said Indio David Lang.
“I think it’s going to be more like a regular news conference because the don’t have any time to debate anything,” said Palm Springs resident David Adolph.
“I’m an Independent, but I want to hear points of view. It sounds like don’t have enough time,” said Lehr.
The remaining seven candidates will face off at an earlier debate 2 p.m., one that people were split on whether or not they will watch.
“It’s short of like the losers show, don’t want to watch that,” said Lang.
“I will probably watch both because you never know who is going to break out,” said Adolph
But, all eyes will be on the main event when it starts on FOX News at 5:00 p.m.
“It adds some excitement especially with Donald Trump in it, lets face it, the Donald is an interesting character, he’s added some spice to this,” said Lang.
It’s spice that has people tuning in that might not have otherwise.
“I think you are going to see a lot more independents and millennial get involved then they have in the past,” said Lang.
“If it gets people into listening and into caring about politics, it’s OK,” said Lehr.
There is a viewing party at the Classic Club for the prime time debate. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. Debate airing on FOX News Channel. The other debate is at 2:00 p.m. on FOX News Channel.
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