Raven Crowd Calls the Debate 'Pretty Even'

Democratic President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney both did a credible job in Wednesday's night's first debate, but Obama had more composure, viewers at a public "debate-watch party" at the Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg said.

"I think they both did pretty good," said Jose Bedolla of Healdsburg, a student at Santa Rosa Junior College. "I think Obama did better than Romney in not interrupting -- Romney had many interruptions."

Bedolla, 20, and his friend Morgan Overholt of Healdsburg were two of about 35 people who attended the free event. The Raven will also broadcast upcoming debates. For a schedule, click here.

On Wednesday, Obama get more applause, cheers and laughs from the crowd when he leveled zingers at Romney, while the efforts of Romney, who lodged one or two zingers of his own, were met with either silence or groans.

Students and teachers from the LeapNow alternative college in Alexander Valley said they thought Obama gave a better performance. A group of about a half-dozen from the school were at the Raven event, noting that they took advantage of the broadcast since they didn't have TV at their campus.

"Obama was more composed, he wasn't jumping up and down like Romney," said James Quinlan, a LeapNow instructor who said he leans toward being a Democrat. "I think he's a better debater."

Rebecca Carrillo of LeapNow said she felt Obama "stuck to the topics more," and was "more respectful of the moderator."

Bedolla, meanwhile said he has been a registered Democrat in the past but now is more independent -- "a retrocrat," he said.

"I'm in favor of what is for the benefit of not just me, but the whole nation," Bedolla said. He said he came to the Raven event because he wants to support more young people getting informed and involved in events.

"Young people put Obama in office, and they will decide whther to keep him there or vote him out," Bedolla said. "I think it's important for young and old to get together."

A couple who said they were visiting from Newport Beach, who declined to give their names, said they thought the debate was "pretty even," the man said.

"If I were undecided, I would still be undecided," he said.

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