Despite initial problems with the audio-visual equipment, the debate was finally projected onto a large screen in front of the room. Students filled every seat and many stood, blocking the doorway, or sat on the floor.
Sophomore Jenny Kaleczyc, a member of OC Democrats, said that she was excited about the good turn out. She said, "We had no idea what to expect."
The Oberlin College (OC) Democrats and the Ohio Public Interest Resource Group (OhioPIRG) sponsored and advertised the event. OhioPIRG and OC Democrats also sponsored a viewing of the vice presidential debate on Wednesday evening between Vice President Al Gore and Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp.
"I already knew who I was going to vote for," Sophomore Josh Aerie said. Aerie said that although he had already made his decision, he hoped the candidates would clarify their positions.
First-year Andy Vayer said that he also knew which candidate he would vote for before the debate. He said that watching the debates solidified his vote for Clinton.
Clinton and Dole exchanged sound bites on Medicare, morality and money.
As Dole and Clinton debated various issues, many of their comments, especially Dole's, were met with laughter from students. Vayer said that he thought the debate was highly entertaining. "Clinton was impressive," Vayer said. "Dole was funny."
First-year Rachel Harvey said. "He kept leaving out nouns."
Some students expressed cynicism about the race between Dole and Clinton. First-year Rossana Rossi said that she would like to support a lesser known candidate who shared more of her own political views, but said she felt a third party candidate could not win. Rossi said, "I've come to see who is the lesser of two evils."
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