US Democratic Debates: Day 2 of presidential debates in Detroit

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The second round of US Democratic primary debates continues in Detroit. The first night saw the most liberal candidates in the field, clashing with more moderate contenders. It touched on issues that impact residents of the state of Michigan, where Detroit is located. That includes the state's important auto industry, which remains at the center of many voters' minds there, as CGTN's Dan Williams reports.

Protestors gather outside Detroit's Fox Theater. Some were Trump supporters. But the majority carried messages they hoped the Democratic candidates would hear as the second round of the Democratic Primary Debates took place.

If any of the candidates wanted a closer inspection of how Michigan voters are feeling, they did not have far to travel. This is the General Motors Warren Transmission plant which opened in 1941-nearly 80 years ago. It closes Friday. Some workers have been moved to other plants. Others have been less fortunate.

GHANA GOODWIN-DYE UNITED AUTO WORKERS UNION OFFICIAL "Friday is the last day we'll be walking through those doors across the street. Some of my membership, their last day was last Friday. It was very sobering and heartbreaking. People who I have worked with for over 30 years. Excuse me!"

DAN WILLIAMS DETROIT, MICHIGAN "The auto industry remains key for Michigan. It continues to produce more cars and trucks than any other U.S. state. But the industry as a whole faces significant challenges."

Auto manufacturers are preparing for a shift towards electrified and autonomous vehicles and the emergence of new competitors. But the industry also faces other pressures, not least the tariffs that have been imposed during the trade dispute between the United States and China.

MICHAEL MARTINEZ AUTOMOTIVE NEWS "The auto industry is reeling, honestly, from tariffs and the uncertainty around trade. There's certainly a possibility that jobs could be affected as the automakers will have to adjust somehow."

The issue of tariffs appears to be a key concern for Michigan voters. That point was underlined by a recent poll, carried out by the Detroit Regional Chamber.

BRAD WILLIAMS DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER "There was a plurality of Michiganders who said that tariffs were hurting the automotive industry, that were hurting the agriculture industry which is also vitally important in this state, but even more importantly, there was a plurality of Michiganders who said that tariffs are hurting them."

Tensions were running high outside the Fox Theater with locals determined to get their voices heard. Dan Williams, CGTN, Detroit.