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Center City Business Banking On People Dumping Football For Debate On Monday Night

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Monday night...forget beer and football. How about a so-called bipartisan martini and a presidential debate?

"Drink that layers red and blue and when you mix it together, certainly gets along with each other I'm sure," said Gerry Connor.

He's the co-owner of American Pub in Center City and says he's expecting a big turnout on Monday, around 200-250 people.

The political watchdog group, Committee of Seventy is hosting a viewing party for the first one-on-one match between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Experts say more than 100 million people could tune in.

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That's about one in three Americans, numbers that rival the average viewership of a Superbowl.

Randy Larsen already knows who he's voting for, but is watching the debate for the entertainment value. "It's probably more like a cage match right now. We'll see who wins."

However, voter Peggy Martin is tuning in to help decide who she'll vote for in November. "I'm not watching it for entertainment. It gives me anxiety. It's two people. One who is really unqualified in my opinion and the other who I'm not sure I trust."

And then there is Paul Soscin. "Probably have no intention of watching."

He said he is fed up with the reality show nature of the debate and plans to watch something else instead. "I'll find other entertainment. Maybe a football game, or something," he said.

Clinton, Trump Poised For Historic Debate Battle

Connor seems to think Paul is in the minority.

"This debate is going against Monday Night Football," Connor said and Monday Night Football doesn't have a chance."

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