I don't know about Cleveland's politics, but as a frequent visitor to the city, I have to say I love it and wish it the best. Baltimore suffers from the same triad of scourges: Democrats, unions, and corrupt politicians. But the city itself is still a great place to live, despite them. And anyone who says otherwise is only displaying their ignorance of the place. Either that, or they just don't like city life, which I can understand and respect. But as far as city life goes, both Baltimore and Cleveland are great places.
Both cities have done much in recent years to improve their waterfronts.