The focus of Wednesday's presidential debate was on the economy, mostly concerning jobs and the deficit.
The debate was the first of three presidential debates between President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
The College Republicans hosted a viewing party in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, which was attended by some students from all sides of the political spectrum.
The University Democrats did not have a public viewing party.
The viewing party was situated in the lower commons area of the Student Center, attended by seven people - a small turn out for the first of four important debates.
"This was really a last minute thing, but I thought that it was a really great way to meet our newer members because a lot of people who came out were freshmen," said Holly Gillham, a senior public relations major and former College Republicans president.
The debate was focused on the economy and specifically taxes, health care and jobs.
Kayleigh Mohler, College Republicans president and Drew Farrington, University Democrats president, hosted differing views on the way both candidates defended their positions.
During the debate, Romney explained his plan for the future economy of America.
"[Romney] summarized his five-point plan to help those who aren't as familiar to get America back on track, which agrees with a lot of us - make sure there are jobs out there, regulate less and repeal Dodd-Frank and Obamacare," Mohler said.
President Obama explained his problems with Romney's economic plan saying the math just doesn't work, while also explaining his own plan.
"President Obama would ask those who are a little better off to pay a little more to double down on our deficit and look forward to raising revenue," Farrington said.
President Obama defended the Affordable Care Act, and said Romney's plan for health care bore many similarities.
"Obamacare is certainly a step in the right direction, however both candidates could agree that there are things that need to be worked out," Farrington said.
Mohler said she disagreed with Obama when he said the current state of Social Security is sustainable.
"I think Romney wholeheartedly disagrees with that," Mohler said.
Romney's plan to create jobs included lowering regulations, as well as lowering taxes.
"I would much rather have a job when I get out of college to pay back student loans and I can invest in my future, rather than having subsidies," Mohler said.
Democrats were surprised to hear Romney say there were certain regulations that were needed to keep the system safe, mentioning that he has not heard him say that in the past.
"Romney has said that regulations are really just getting in the way," Farrington said.
Both representatives said they believed their candidate did a good job of explaining their policies and informing the public.
"Firstly, President Obama defended himself very well, as the incumbent always has to be defensive at the first debate," Farrington said. "President Obama brought up a bunch of ways to help the American people."
Mohler said she believed Romney won the debate, as well as outlined his plan if he were elected.
"I was overall impressed with Romney, the questions were all over the place but he stayed on focus," Mohler said. "I felt that [Romney] was excellent."
There are two more presidential debates scheduled on Oct. 16 and Oct. 22, as well as a vice presidential debate Thursday. All debates start at 9 p.m.
The vice presidential and second presidential debates will focus on foreign and domestic policy. The final debate will focus on foreign policy and wrap up the candidates' ideas for America, according to 2012presidentialelectionnews.com.
For information on the debate, check out a story fact checking what the candidates said.
Read More
A Century of Life
By Katherine Hill / 20 hours agoJimmy Carter, America’s 39th and longest-living president, led a notable life beyond his four years served in office.
Indiana Capital Chronicle: The ABC’s of education bills – from dollars and cents to charters and teachers
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / YesterdayState lawmakers return to the statehouse this week and are expected to debate a slew of education-related proposals.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau resigns as Liberal Party leader
By Staff Reports / 3 days agoCanadian Prime Minister Trudeau is set to resign as Liberal Party leader, effectively ending nearly a decade in power.
