By Jasmin Lee and Olivia Simone

Special to the Detroit Free Press

Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday at the NAACP's candidate forum in Detroit looking to separate themselves from the pack in a crowded field — and among a key constituency, African Americans.

But those in attendance said that while some of the candidates were impressive, they did little — if anything — to sway those who already were leaning towards a particular candidate, or to convince the voters who haven't decided who among the two dozen announced candidates they will vote for in 2020.

But several were surprised by the only Republican presidential candidate to take part in the forum, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld.

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"I'm still undecided, I will have to continue researching. I have to take consideration of who will be a good vice-president as well, like what a great ticket looks like," said Maia Anthony, a 30-something Detroiter. "I was glad I had the opportunity to talk to those I haven't heard from. And I'm glad that a Republican was here, Bill Weld, that is like, 'I am here and I'm running against him (Donald Trump).' I love that."

Delois Edwards of Fairfield, California, said she, too, was pleasantly surprised by Weld and what he had to say.

"Actually, I've been following the candidates and everything," she said. "But I was surprised by a lot of things that the Republican candidate had to say. I'm reserving my information on who my candidate of choice will be. But it's that candidate out of the Republican Party that came out to stand up against Donald Trump."

Many audience members — several having traveled from across the country to attend the NAACP's national convention at Cobo Center — said they had hoped to hear more specifics on issues like education, climate change, eliminating police brutality, reparations, infrastructure and creating paths to home ownership. Instead, the candidates stuck to familiar themes, with each enforcing the importance of making sure African Americans are included in the advancement of America.

Kaleem Shabazz, 72, president of the NAACP Atlantic City Branch, said he and his group are leaning towards their home state's senator, Cory Booker, "but a lot of other people are very favorable and it's a long process. And as Vice President Biden said, the most important thing for us to do is to defeat Donald Trump. I am looking for that. Donald Trump has to be defeated. We cannot stand another four years of him and that's the highest priority, as far as I'm concerned."

Rosemary Lytle, 59, president of the NAACP Colorado Springs Branch, said while the forum may not have helped her decide which candidate will get her vote, "I think I know the candidates who don't have it."