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Though fall break made for a small crowd, the reactions were big in the Filene Room as a viewing party scrutinized聽the third and final presidential debate on Oct. 19, 2016.

Julia Mason 鈥�17 of Niskayuna, N.Y., had seen only highlights of the previous debates before watching the final debate in its entirety. 鈥淚t is frustrating to me to see a lack of attention being devoted to actual policy plans or issues鈥� said Mason, referencing the litany of pressing topics like climate change and immigration that have gone largely unaddressed in the debates.

鈥淚 would call it more of a 鈥榬eality show鈥� than a political聽debate,鈥� added Kelsey Pearson 鈥�17 of Orange, Calif. Watching along with Pearson was Christina Felonis 鈥�17 of Athens, Greece. 鈥淜elsey and I have actually watched all the presidential debates,鈥� explains Felonis. 鈥淚 have found them to be both informative and concerning.鈥�

“Seeing and hearing from candidates who fellow citizens believe in to lead our country provides me with some perspective.”

Francisco Urueta, a member of the Facilities Services custodial staff, had a simple reaction: 鈥淏efore I die, I want to see a woman in the White House.鈥�

Molly Pritz 鈥�17 of Ithaca, N.Y. offered this measured response: 鈥淚 think that the聽debates, regardless of the way one will vote, provide an eye-opening experience for viewers. Sometimes we can get trapped in a bubble of like-minded people, but seeing and hearing from candidates who fellow citizens believe in to lead our country provides me with some perspective.鈥�

When asked to summarize the debate in one word, Elise Rivera 鈥�17 of Washington, D.C., said, 鈥淪tunning.鈥� Hanna Chipman 鈥�17 of New York City: 鈥淵ikes. We must vote.鈥�

In two weeks, they鈥檒l do just that 鈥� and many in attendance chose to register here rather than at home. 鈥淚 decided to register here in Maine because I want to vote on the day, in person,鈥� said Mason.

The viewing was sponsored by the 2016 Election Season Lecture Series.