The nationÂ’s eyes are on Detroit this week as 20 Democrats square off in the second Democratic presidential debates.

The first night of the debates took place at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, July 30, starting at 9 p.m. Folks gathered in bars all around town to tune in. Here’s what they had to say.

07/30/2019
Photos by Bridget Ekis
The Sunrise Movement, Detroit Socialists of America, Metro Detroit for Bernie, and Our Revolution Michigan watch party Bookie’s Bar N Grille Larry Suerez, Detroit “I thought it would be neat to come down and watch [the debate] here,” Suerez said. “Anything that will show that Detroit is a great political town and is really concerned about politics I want to support that, and I think that’s the way we got to be.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
The Sunrise Movement, Detroit Socialists of America, Metro Detroit for Bernie, and Our Revolution Michigan watch party Bookie’s Bar N Grille Larry Suerez, Detroit “I thought it would be neat to come down and watch [the debate] here,” Suerez said. “Anything that will show that Detroit is a great political town and is really concerned about politics I want to support that, and I think that’s the way we got to be.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Elizabeth Warren watch party Brigg’s Joanna Vantaram, Howell “I’m really trying to make a firm decision. Of course [Elizabeth] Warren is at the top of my list, I’m enjoying her strong responses, along with Bernie [Sanders],” Vantaram said. “This is my first party where I’ve said, ‘I like this lady, I want to get behind her.’” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Elizabeth Warren watch party Brigg’s Joanna Vantaram, Howell “I’m really trying to make a firm decision. Of course [Elizabeth] Warren is at the top of my list, I’m enjoying her strong responses, along with Bernie [Sanders],” Vantaram said. “This is my first party where I’ve said, ‘I like this lady, I want to get behind her.’” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Marianne Williamson watch party State Bar & Grill Katlyn Erdman and son Elvis, Ferndale Katlyn Erdman of Ferndale made a shirt for her 2-year-old son Elvis the morning of July 30. The shirt reads, “We support a conscious love infatuated political conversation.” Erdman continued, “Marianne is our woman… she is us and she is everyone. … From what she says, she speaks our heart for sure, that’s why we’re here.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Marianne Williamson watch party State Bar & Grill Katlyn Erdman and son Elvis, Ferndale Katlyn Erdman of Ferndale made a shirt for her 2-year-old son Elvis the morning of July 30. The shirt reads, “We support a conscious love infatuated political conversation.” Erdman continued, “Marianne is our woman… she is us and she is everyone. … From what she says, she speaks our heart for sure, that’s why we’re here.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Pete Buttigieg watch party Mike’s Pizza Bar Kevin Cotter, Ferndale “When I heard about this debate watch party, I thought it would be cool to watch with other Pete supporters,” Cotter said. “It’s great being around like-minded people — even though I’m by myself, I’m enjoying it and I feel like I’m with kindred spirits.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Pete Buttigieg watch party Mike’s Pizza Bar Kevin Cotter, Ferndale “When I heard about this debate watch party, I thought it would be cool to watch with other Pete supporters,” Cotter said. “It’s great being around like-minded people — even though I’m by myself, I’m enjoying it and I feel like I’m with kindred spirits.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
CitizenDetroit watch party McShane’s Pub Amy Ramirez, Kansas City Amy Ramirez and 11 others from the Sunrise Movement traveled 12 hours from Kansas City to Detroit in support of local Democrats. “It’s such a great atmosphere when you’re attending an event like this with other people, so you can also have intellectual conversations with others who may have different opinions.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
CitizenDetroit watch party McShane’s Pub Amy Ramirez, Kansas City Amy Ramirez and 11 others from the Sunrise Movement traveled 12 hours from Kansas City to Detroit in support of local Democrats. “It’s such a great atmosphere when you’re attending an event like this with other people, so you can also have intellectual conversations with others who may have different opinions.” Credit: Bridget Ekis
Official DNC watch party Anchor Bar Glen Campbell, Seattle “I’m a supporter of Steve Bullock, we grew up together in the state of Montana. I happened to be in Detroit while this is occurring and I fully support his policies and just like to see him do well on the debate stage,” Campbell said. Credit: Bridget Ekis

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