Final preparations are under way inside Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre for the next Republican primary debate, or political slugfest!
The surviving cast of presidential candidates is scheduled to be on hand. Businessman Donald Trump, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and Ohio Governor John Kasich will do battle on a live broadcast hosted by Fox News at 9:00 pm. Thursday.
The field is now down to four. Detroit native Dr. Ben Carson will not appear in the Thursday debate. He released a statement today saying he “does not see a path forward” following his poor delegate showing on Super Tuesday.
Trump comes into Michigan, a traditionally blue state in national elections, with a 10 point lead over his GOP rivals.
With hot button issues such as immigration and the Flint water crisis, it is possibly the most ethnically diverse state to host a presidential forum during the campaign for the White House.
Our exclusive WXYZ-TV 7/Detroit Free Press poll conducted by EPIC MRA finds that 61% of likely Michigan GOP voters agree with Trumps call to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. until better terrorism safeguards are in place. This issue is certain to come up during the debate given the fact that metro Detroit has a very large and influential Arab American population. Other topics expected to be raised are creating jobs, American manufacturing, urban revitalization, health care and the high cost of higher education.
With Cruz and Rubio virtually tied coming into the Great Lakes State, they will have to fight for their conservative base and the 18% of undecided Michiganders who usually vote Republican.
The Fox Theatre is a perfect venue for hosting a debate where fireworks are expected. Detroit’s crown jewel has played host to some of the biggest names and shows in history. Designed and built for the Fox Films chain by C. Howard Crane in Oriental, Egyptian and East Indian styles. It opened its doors for the first time in 1928. At the time, there was no movie palace like it. Come tomorrow night, it will surely add one more piece of amazing entertainment to its rich history.
