Central Oregonians gather for big debate watch parties

Debate season is upon us, and presidential debate watch parties in Central Oregon Monday night were as spirited as the candidates.

Hillary Clinton supporters gathered at her campaign headquarters in Bend.

“Hillary is doing great. She’s addressing actual issues, and how they relate to me and my Central Oregon neighbors,” said Lisa Pierce.

Donald Trump supporters had their debate screening at the Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters.

“He has a feel for what a lot of us go through,” said Phil Henderson. “(People) that are really just trying to make a go of things, and it’s unusual because he’s a billionaire, but he really understands working people.”

Heading into the debate, Clinton has been criticized for her cool demeanor, something Jodi Littlehales isn’t concerned about.

“I don’t really need her to be warm, I need her to be ready to be president on day one, and I think she will be,” she said.

Trump’s personality has also been under the microscope.

“He’s definitely unpredictable,” said Rob Perry. “And I think that’s one of the joys of having somebody run for public office, that doesn’t just repeat the lines we’re used to hearing as an audience.”

Trump supporters commended his straight -arrow approach.

“I think the voters will understand this is a no-nonsense kind of guy, he’s not going to take guff from anybody,” Perry said.

Democratic viewers said they prefer restraint.

“This is unprecedented, to have somebody who is comfortable saying whatever he feels like saying,” Pierce said.

Next up, Mike Pence will square off against Tim Kaine for the vice presidential debate on October 4th. The second of three presidential debates is October 9th.