I’ve been wondering *why* we’re hosting this vice presidential debate. 

It’s creating tremendous inconvenience.  Roads have been closed.  The U is just about closed.  They built 2- weeks of remote learning into the schedule to keep the campus safe for this event.  Additionally  all hands-on-deck for our tapped-out police officers.  

So why do it?

Some local leaders say the event is a boom to the economy.  Hundreds of people coming into town with  wallets wide open.  But it’s truncated guest list.   Media outlets have pared down their traveling teams.  So we’re not seeing a huge wave of people coming to town.

Some say it puts the word out there that Utah is open for business.  It’s a boom for tourism.  But think about it.  During the last presidential debate… they said the word “cleveland” about 5 times.  Did you ever once see video of Cleveland during the broadcast?   We’re not gonna get that kind of attention.

I think the reason Utah is hosting the debate — and the only reason..  is because they offered us the debate.  while other Universities have backed out of hosting these debates  because of the Virus… Utah’s sense of civic responsibility kicked-in.  the U said “of course we’re gonna host it.”  They never blinked… and the student volunteers… the police officers … and the University will do their civic duty tonight… knowing fully well… that Utah will only be remembered for this event… if something goes wrong.

So they’ve worked hard to make it go right.  Because that’s our civic responsibility.

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