It was monumental.  It was historical.  It was the first presidential debate of 2008.

Hundreds of people packed the Ole Miss Grove to watch the presidential debate taking place across campus on Sept. 26.  Most were college students, not only from Ole Miss, but from all over the state.  That didn’t stop the high school students and older voters from setting out their lawn chairs and watching the debate on the outdoor big screens though. 

After the candidates debated, young people stuck around to talk about what they thought about the debate and what the candidates had to say about foreign policy issues affecting our nation.

Brandon McDaniel, 21, said both candidates held their ground well, but he feels Barack Obama stood out in the debate more than John McCain.

Katie Parker, 21, thought McCain’s plan to continue to war in Iraq was right on target.

James Sorey, 19, supports Obama in his stance on off-shore drilling.

Lawrence Simmons, 21, thinks talk about energy policies are, well, just talk.

Jessica Friar, 21, liked what Obama had to say about funding education.

Now that the debate is over, the reporters will slowly pack up and leave, and the campus will wind back down to its usual pace.  However, I think the students will keep watching the political scene, and will be watching the next debate to see what else these two candidates bring to the table.