GOP Debate Watch Parties: RNC Hispanic Team Organizes 76 House Parties Across Key Latino States
Millions of Americans are set to watch the second Republican presidential primary debate, and to further the GOP’s Latino outreach, the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) Hispanic staff organized 76 debate watch parties.
On Aug. 6, cable television viewers created history as 24 million viewers watched the first prime-time debate on the Fox News Channel, which was more than double Fox News' previous largest audience of 11.8 million viewers during election night in November 2012. Leading up to the second debate tonight, television ratings history could be made again, and the RNC prepared for the occasion by engaging people to participate in more than 300 debate watch parities across 15 states.
"The first Republican debate in Cleveland, Ohio was watched by an historic number of Americans," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "We are harnessing the energy, support and interest for the GOP field to engage and recruit volunteers and staff around the country. Our nationwide field operation allows us to organize earlier than ever before, something no other committee or organization is doing right now."
The second GOP debates also coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, and to continue its Latino engagement, the RNC's Hispanic team organized 76 house parties across seven states, including the swing states of Florida, Colorado and North Carolina, each with significant and rising Latino populations.
"Tonight hundreds of RNC staff spread out across the country will bring thousands of supporters together to watch the debates, and over the coming days and weeks we will activate this growing team to register voters, engage diverse communities and prepare for our nominee in 2016," said Priebus.
Overall, debate watch parties are also set in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
Tonight's first debate starts at 6 p.m. EDT, featuring former New York Gov. George Pataki, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
At 8 p.m. EDT, the second prime-time debate includes businessman Donald Trump, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
The two Republican debates will air on CNN and online on CNNgo. The Salem Radio Network will also broadcast both debates.
Must Read: Republican National Committee Building Its Latino, Millennial Engagement Outreach for 2016 Election
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