9 questions I want answered at the UWM Democratic debate tonight

I am going to cover the festivities surrounding tonight’s Democratic debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Like any good and insecure reporter, I’m going in with a list of questions, some of which I guess I’ll answer and others that will remain mysteries.

1. How tall are these candidates?

I think it’s okay if Hillary is short, but I have always had a little skepticism about short men. I’m not sure I’ll be allowed to actually see these candidates in person, but I want to know. Marco Rubio, who Republicans say is the most electable in their party, is just 5-8, plus he wears these Cuban boots that add a couple of inches. Now, how do you trust someone like that?

2. Do people seem bored?

I’m talking about the regulars on the campaign trail reporters, pundits, photographers. Are they really paying close attention or are they just waiting to get a quote or two or a soundbite or shot in the spin room after the whole thing is over?

3. Will UWM actually get some kind of concrete boost out of this?

It’s been a pretty good week for UWM with the jump to first class designation as a research institution. Exposure to the national media is an opportunity to spread the word. Is UWM trying? Does the national media give a hoot?

4. Is there a sense of humor anywhere?

All the media make this whole process seem like a series of world war battles. It is, in reality, a race for elective office. I think we should take the process seriously, but I also think that even the most grim situations benefit from an occasional burst of good humor. I wonder if there will be any humor in evidence.

5. Do the big three news networks show their bias?

It’s pretty clear what the identity is for these three. Fox is home for Republicans, MSNBC is home for Democrats and CNN likes to pretend it’s Switzerland. Do the reporters for the three networks actually seem like ideologues or are there indications that they might actually be real journalists?

6. How worried is the Clinton camp?

Hillary's campaign was supposed to be a coronation march to the nomination. She tied in Iowa and got killed in New Hampshire and there have been rumors about a staff shakeup. Does her staff, which will be operating in the spin room, seem nervous about their jobs? Nervous about their candidate? You can’t tell how they feel by what they say. You have to look at faces. I intend to look at faces.

7. Is Bill Clinton going to be there?

The former president is a huge name and I’m a huge fan. I have never once in my life asked for an autograph and I’ve met some pretty famous people. I might be tempted if I’m near the man. I will probably resist the temptation, but I’ll think about it.

8. Will there be any surprises?

I’ve watched every debate for both parties, which should tell you something about my social life. I’ve heard the go-to lines for both candidates. Will either one of them say something that qualifies as a surprise? Will Sanders find something else to promise will be free? Will Clinton come up with a new reason she wants to be president beside the fact that she wants to be president.

9. How cool is it to be part of this whole thing?

I have a long list of cool or interesting things I’ve attended in my life. Super Bowls, World Series, Broadway openings, Martin Luther King’s "I Have A Dream" speech (although I didn’t know that was cool until later), huge NBA games, sitting next to Harold Pinter during a rehearsal of one of his plays, being in a war and getting a hug from Carol Doda (Google her). Let’s see where this ranks.