As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump prepare to debate at Hofstra University Monday night some locals are planning viewing parties here in San Diego - and everyone has a different opinion about the candidates.
The 90-minute debate will be the first of three nationally televised presidential debates between Clinton and Trump.
San Diegan Oliver Asis is planning to watch and says picking a candidate has been difficult for him.
“Kind of interesting to see that as a country those are the two we collectively selected,” he told NBC 7. “I think it’ll be interesting to see how they stand on some key issues.”
Although Joyce Muscat has qualms about Hillary Clinton, she said she fears a Trump presidency more.
“The trust issue has been there, but I do think she's qualified for this position,” Muscat said. “I just think it's very scary when I think of Trump being in office. I just feel very scared for our country.”
Hope Malis said that although she wishes another candidate were heading the Democratic party, she’s still not rooting for Trump.
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“I hope that she does well enough to make him embarrass himself and make us proud of her,” she said.
Another Clinton supporter, Margaret Cotton, said she thinks most people have much up their minds, and doesn’t think the debates will sway too many opinions.
“I think most people, they're pretty firm in their mind,” she told NBC 7. “They may not share it with other people but they're pretty firm in their mind who they're going to vote for.”
Still, the candidates may have the chance to sway Holly Bell.
“Well I haven't really been watching much of anything or paying much attention. I need to start doing some research and then I'll make some decisions,” she said. “I will be voting, I'm just not sure as to who or what yet. It just seems like too much of a circus right now.”
The sentiment of these voters was clear – get out and vote. It’s important and a privilege as a American citizen.
The debate will air on all major networks at 6 p.m. Monday night with NBC Nightly News’ Lester Holt as the moderator.
Three local watch parties include:
- The San Diego County Democratic Party at their campaign office on Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
- The Log Cabin Republicans at the Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest
- San Diego State University at the theater in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
All three parties start at 5:30 p.m.
