Friday, February 08, 2008

The Debate: Why Cleveland? Why NBC?

As we first mentioned last night, Cleveland will become the home for the only Democratic presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as Decision 2008 comes down to the important March 4th Ohio primary.

But why did both choose the NBC Network and Cleveland as their platform. Simply said, it's because of the importance of getting their important message for change to one of the most economically depressed cities in the country - and the fact that both candidates have great respect for NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams and Meet the Press Moderator Tim Russert, who will moderate the debate.

Although MSNBC's David Shuster made unhelpful comments on the air today about Mrs. Clinton's daughter, Chelsea - and has subsequently been suspended by NBC - we are confident the candidates will understand their presence at a Cleveland debate will not only help their cause, but our area as well.

Both Williams and Russert offer fair, but tough questions. Unlike past debates this campaign season, NBC believes the focus should be on the candidates and their messages - and not about the moderator's personal views or ambitions.

WKYC and the city of Cleveland will proudly welcome both Senators Clinton and Obama to Cleveland State University and thank them for the opportunity to put the failed policies of the Bush administration to bed and give our city renewed hope for the future.

We welcome your comments and feedback. Please post your comments here.

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch video of what the debate means to Cleveland: CLICK HERE

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Shuster got suspended. His comments were tasteless and low class.

I'm glad that the debate will be held here and some much needed focus will be coming to Cleveland. And Williams and Russert are great picks to run the debate.

My only hope is that we get more than just lip service from the candidates when it's all over. If I could ask them a question, I would want to know what they could do NOW for cities like Cleveland, in their current roles? And what have they done for cities like Cleveland in their own areas?