First Presidential Debate Airs Monday Night, But Some Voters Say They Have Already ‘Seen Enough’

Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will meet Monday night in the first of three debates. The matchup is expected to be one of the most-watched presidential debates in United States history.

In 1980, more than 80 million viewers tuned in to watch Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter debate. Monday’s debate could shatter that record, but it will contend with Monday Night Football. Still, Sharrod Guthrie, of Superior, said he thinks the debates are important to watch.

“That gives the American people the chance to see who’s really up for the job — who fits the qualifications to take this country in the right direction,” he said.

Ann Freiwald, of Madison, said the debates display the true face of the candidates.

“You’re answering questions you didn’t expect,” she said. “I think they give them some prep on, but they don’t give them the exact questions so they can’t come with memorized answers.”

Others say they’ve seen enough to know who they’re voting for this November. But, those like Superior’s Curt Callaway are still undecided. Even so, he won’t be watching tonight’s debate.

“I believe I have seen enough of it,” Callaway said.

University of Wisconsin-Superior freshman Trent Flake said he’s planning to do homework instead because it’s tough to choose between Trump and Clinton.

“I just don’t feel like I support either party,” Flake said.

Gerald Carr of Duluth said people feel like they’re choosing the candidate who’s the lesser of two evils in many cases.

“I personally think that Ms. Clinton does not have a good record, and I can’t vote for her. I don’t necessarily want to vote for Trump either, but it’s not much of a choice on that side,” Carr said. “I’m just interested to see how it comes out and what I hope is a better direction for this country, which is not the best direction, but is a better direction.”

UW-Superior international student Adaeze Ndu can’t vote in the November election, but the Nigeria native said she’s tuning in to be entertained by Trump.

“The things he say, the way he acts is just funny — so ridiculous, so many things that we get really shocked by,” Ndu said.

Superior’s Lillian Durfee served as a U.S. Army nurse during the Korean War. She’s watching the debate tonight because she’s concerned about what’s happening in this country.

“I don’t think people are able to think clearly because they’ve been impacted with all of this fear-mongering,” Durfee said.

She added that the media is not treating candidates the same with their questions.

The debate airs at 8 p.m. It will run for 90 minutes and be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio and www.wpr.org.