ASPSU holds final debate party of the year

Last night beneath flickering fluorescent lights, around 50 to 60 people of all ages gathered to watch the final presidential debate between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama projected on a large screen in the Parkway North room of the Smith Memorial Student Union.

As the two candidates were questioned on abortion rights, health care, education reform and Wall Street’s woes, the spectators listened intently, sometimes interjecting with jeers or laughter.

There were titters along the front row when McCain inferred that Obama was being sneaky with his word choice, and groans when McCain referred to “Joe, my buddy the plumber out there.”

Clearly a room dominated by Obama supporters, there were applause throughout Parkway North when Obama mentioned his tuition credit plan, and when he gave his closing speech.

“Aesthetically… Obama definitely maintained his composure much more than McCain,” said 25-year-old Jacob Haugen after the debate. “Obama was much more in-depth and explanatory of his policies, something that was left out of McCain’s talking points.”

Afterwards, the Associated Students of Portland State University, who organized the viewing party, encouraged students in attendance to become more involved in speaking out on educational issues.