INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - All the bad blood between the two presidential candidates could come to light before the entire world Monday night when Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump have their first debate. But that debate also puts a lot at stake for two men running for Indiana governor.
With an audience estimated at 100 million the presidential debate between democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump promises to be the biggest event of its kind in American Political History.
"I want to hear how they plan to take care of us. Not fighting; ideas, rather. Yes, that is the whole idea of it all and that's I what I am looking for right now," Indiana voter Kathryn Crain shared.
"I want to hear straight answers without bashing. I need to know where they stand, what their views really are. Not what their opponent is not doing," voter Mary Hudson added.
Indiana voters might be making up their minds Monday night on more than the race for President, though. Many times, the popularity of a party's presidential candidate has a profound effect on down-ballot races like the race for governor. In Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb's case, it might help if Trump has a strong showing.
"I heard 100 million people might tune in, which is a good thing to have people debating the process and to be able to hear directly from the candidates themselves," Lt Governor Holcomb said Monday morning.
On the other hand, Democrat John Gregg could benefit from a strong showing by Hillary Clinton. However, he still espouses voter independence.
"I will be interested to see how the debate goes and watching it, but I'm studying for the gubernatorial debate is what I am spending most of my time on, and tomorrow [at the gubernatorial debate], that will be my primary focus. I think the truth of the matter is, Hoosiers will look beyond the party label. We encourage that. They will make up their own minds in the governor's race," Democrat John Gregg stated.
But first, Hoosiers like Jon Martin want the candidates to make up their own minds.
"They are both so wishy washy," he said.
A lot of times, down-ballot voting depends on how enthusiastic voters are. In this case, with both candidates having such high unfavorable ratings, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
