On January 10, 2000, Grand Rapids was center stage on the nation’s political front as Republican Presidential candidates met for a televised debate at Calvin College. The candidates included Texas Gov. George W. Bush, Arizona Senator John McCain, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, Alan Keyes, Steve Forbes, and Gary Bauer.
About five weeks later, McCain upset Bush in the Michigan primary, but Bush was ultimately elected president.
For a copy of the transcript, see Republican Presidential Candidates Debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 10, 2000 from the American Presidency Project.