The City of Hartford is one of six places being considered for a presidential or vice presidential debate during the 2020 campaign, according to an announcement from the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Hartford is the only location on the list that is not a university. The other finalists include Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Notre Dame, in Notre Dame, Indiana, and the Utah Debate Commission and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Locations that apply to host a debate must fit a number of requirements, including a debate hall of at least 15,000 square feet with air conditioning, ample parking for television trucks and trailers, a media center area and parking, nearby hotels, air and ground transportation options, and a host guarantee of city services, including public safety officers.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin released the following statement on the announcement:
“The 2020 presidential election is one of the most consequential elections in our nation's history, and we would be proud to host a debate here in Hartford. Hosting a presidential debate would give us an opportunity to highlight not only our progress and strength, but also our challenges, many of which will be front and center in the 2020 presidential campaign — from inequality to how we can create inclusive growth in a rapidly changing economy.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates is a non-profit organization that established in 1987 to make sure general election debates between candidates are a part of the campaign process.
