Local leaders say issues should be debate’s focus

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 7, 2016

LaGRANGE — The second presidential debate of this general election season is scheduled for Sunday night, and local party representatives find themselves hoping for a more issue-driven debate this time around.

Local representatives from both parties expressed a desire for candidates to talk more about the issues, as opposed to the personal comments and bickering that characterized the first debate.

“I think during the next presidential debate, we’ll see a different Donald Trump,” said Traci Amiri, the publicity and public relations manager for the Troup County Republican Women. “I think voters will get a glimpse as to what we would see as a presidential Donald Trump.”

Local Democrats are equally hopeful that this debate will give people a chance to know Hillary Clinton for the issues that she champions.

“What I’d like to see is what (the presidential candidates) are going to do for the country,” said Troup County Democratic Party Chair Jerome Alford. “Maybe we’ll do more facts in this debate.”

The debate is scheduled to take place 9 p.m. Sunday and last 90 minutes. Anderson Cooper of CNN and Martha Raddatz of ABC will moderate the debate. Audience members will ask the candidates questions, and the candidates will receive questions from social media or other sources, according to CNN.

The debate can be watched live on most news stations or online.

Clinton, Trump square off again Sunday

By Alicia B. Hill

Daily News correspondent

Alicia B. Hill is a correspondent for the LaGrange Daily News. Reach her at 706-884-7311.