We had a ‘big’ one August a year ago, just up the road from where I live. The sound .... wow .... big rumble that just grew and then everything was shaking. Pictures were crooked on the walls, a couple of things fell off of shelves, the china cabinet doors almost flew open, but I grabbed them and saved two stacks of china that were about to shake out. Folks near the epicenter had chimneys come down, foundations cracked, schools had to be closed, etc. We had aftershocks for weeks after .... the first big one was a 4.2 about 12 hours later. It was an interesting and frightening experience. Hope everyone up your way is ok ...
As for the debate, well, I predict Romney will again do just fine, and Obama has about a 50% probability of choking. I was nervous before the first debate. I'm not nervous at all, now. Romney is plenty capable for this.
and the Washington Monument is closed for repairs a year plus later. Similarly, the National Cathedral required extensive repairs..