Mayor Pete Buttigieg set to make fourth Democratic debate appearance

WESTERVILLE, Ohio—The largest presidential debate in American history kicks off Tuesday night in Westerville, Ohio at Otterbein University.

Twelve Democratic candidates are set to take the stage, including South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg thus far has called the entire experience humbling, going from a no-name to a top five name in the polls.

“It’s extraordinary when you think where we’ve come just in the six months since we’ve kicked off this campaign. Going from a really small campaign to now almost having people on the ground in every state,” Buttigieg said ahead of the big debate night.

The fourth debate is hosted by CNN and The New York Times. It starts at 8 p.m. and is expected to last until 11 p.m.

On stage Tuesday night, former Vice President Joe Biden and senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are all positioned at center stage for the second debate in a row, reflecting their leads in the polls.

Buttigieg will be sitting to Warren’s right.

Experts are still calling Buttigieg’s chance at the nomination a long shot. His polling numbers, though, have remains steady in the five percent threshold, getting him a spot close to center stage.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said Monday that it’s important now, more than ever, that the Democratic party addresses how it will change the current climate in Washington.

“Donald Trump keeps coming here and it’s really interesting how many time he’s come here, very easy to understand why, because he’s under water in this state. The Democrats are poised to win. Why? Because he keeps breaking promises,” Perez said.