Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump went head-to-head Monday night, and Kansas City was watching.
"It is historic,” said viewer Ben Rankin.
As many as 100 million people were expected to be watching.
The next highest-watched debate was in 2012, when 67 million Americans watched. Prior to that, it was in 1980, when 45 million people watched.
"A lot of people I know are only watching because it's so interesting,” said viewer Matiara Huff. “It's way different than anything we've seen in the past."
Election 2016 is different for several reasons.
It’s the first time a woman is on the debate stage and also the first time we have a major party candidate that has no political background.
“I think it's garnered a lot of attention. There is a lot on the line, and people are interested,” said Jason Pryor. “And yes, there is a little entertainment factor to it, but it still doesn't take away from the importance of this election."
The days are dwindling and the race is tightening.
Going into Monday’s debate, The New York Times reported Trump and Clinton are tied.
“I think both candidates have low favorability ratings in the first place. So I think the debate could sway people that are on the fence,” Rankin added.
Regardless of which way people lean, it was a rare experience for viewers and many in Kansas City are soaking it in.
“A lot of people I know are only watching because it's so interesting. It's way different than anything we've seen in the past,” Huff added.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
