EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday, 7 December, 2011 0:21 AM

Al Roker and Ann Curry Bring The 'Today' Show to Detroit

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

The crowds came out early to see the Today show in Detroit.

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DETROIT -- NBC's top-rated morning show came to Detroit on Thursday as part of its Battleground States series. The Today show visited four states that are running neck and neck in the presidential race. Weatherman Al Roker and news anchor Ann Curry did their broadcast from Campus Martius Park in front of hundreds of fans. Many of them brought signs or made posters for their favorite candidate in the presidential race.

Some segments of the show were hosted by Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera just as usual in New York City. Although, most of the show's attention was focused on the work by Roker and Curry right here in the Motor City.

"We're going all over the country looking at the issues affecting the voters," said Al Roker of NBC's Today show speaking in regards to the Battleground States series. "Obviously questions about the economy and things like that."

Most of the people who showed up to watch the broadcast were Obama supporters. However, there was a few McCain people mixed in. Regardless of which candidate, supporters made huge signs and banners to show their support. One person brought an Ojama outfit and glued it to two poster boards and held it by the fence. Fans of the Today show made posters to show their support for the show and the two hosts that were in Detroit.

"I've been here before and many times," said Ann Curry in an exclusive interview. "Often times I come here for reports on the auto industry. It's a pleasure to be here on a nice pretty day. It's really been built up in recent years.

"We've been going to four states where either candidate might win. We're looking into why the race is so close in these states. In Michigan, depending on which you look at show that, show they're neck in neck or Obama might be a little bit ahead. It's an obvious that this is a state that still can be won. Since this entire race nationwide is so close, Michigan really matters. We've been hearing people shouting for Obama. We've been hearing people shouting for McCain."

Curry said that more people came to the Detroit stop in the Battleground States series than the other three cities. Matt Lauer went to Virginia and Florida while Meredith went to Pennsylvania.

The Martin Luther King High School marching band performed during the morning show. They just came back from performing at the Olympics in August. In addition, Detroit's own Aretha Franklin did a cooking segment with Al Roker.

A taste test competition was held between the two major coney islands that are located right next to each other in downtown Detroit. That being Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. After tasting both coneys, Roker said "both are good."

Lile's Ham Sandwich Shop also brought some ham sandwiches for Roker and Curry to enjoy. The restaurant is located in Dearborn right off Michigan Avenue.

Both Roker and Curry stayed after the broadcast to meet their fans and sign autographs.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for us to express ourselves about our situation here in our city," said Yvonne Hackett, a Detroit resident who came out to see the Today show at Campus Martius Park. "Glad to have them here. I was here by ten after six. I saw everyone. Al Roker was funny. Lots of people with signs for Obama. I think if we were to vote right here, Obama would be a winner. I see very few McCain signs."

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

People brought signs to show their support for political candidates, the morning show or local radio stations.

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Ann Curry prepares for the broadcast.

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

A very colorful and creative poster.