This is a terrible choice.
Cleveland is a dying city, like most of them skirting the Lakes.
Chances are, the Pubbies aren't going to win Ohio again.
They should have at least chosen a city in a red state.
Then again, Republican "choices" as of late haven't been very good ones, in any case...
I have to strongly disagree.
First, Ohio is a purple state, not a blue state. Any chance for exposure in an area with voters who can be swayed is a good thing. The residents of inner city Cleveland are surely hardcore Democrats, but the suburbs range from purple to red cities. Beachwood, Shaker Heights, even Parma.
Second, you must have never been to Cleveland, or if you have, it hasn't been recently. Cleveland is building a medical mart / convention center. It has the Indians for sports entertainment. There is the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and the Science Center. The natural history museum is top shelf. The orchestra is also very good. In close proximity is the Pro Football Hall of Fame, (Canton 45 miles south), and Blossom Music Center, an outdoor amphitheater, (Akron 35 miles south). The Flats are interesting, but a little thread bare. Edgewater park has been revitalized and is nice. Great Lakes brewing company is a great place for a meal, and you can see the back bar with bullet holes from Elliot Ness.
Cleveland was a good choice.