video transcript

Americans tuned in to the first presidential debate on Wednesday (October 3) night, as Barack Obama and Mitt Romney went head to head. At a bar in Washington, revellers gathered for a debate party. Some even partook in a game of bingo, marking off scorecards where popular talking points were mentioned. SOUNDBITE: KELLY ARCHUNG SAYING (English): "I wasn't actually planning on hearing anything from Mitt Romney that was actually articulated as far as policies are concerned because I think in his track record he just lacks in that but I think tonight, like, he actually stepped up his game a little bit but not enough of what he needed to do." It was a more sober affair at this New York college, where viewers found both candidates impressive. But as to who came out on top, the reaction was mixed. SOUNDBITE: MICHAEL SENDERS, STUDENT, SAYING (English): "I was very impressed by Governor Romney's performance, specifically because although it might be criticized by many people I liked his aggressive approach and how he attacked a lot of the ideas and a lot of the topics that were to be discussed." SOUNDBITE: CAMILLE O'BRIEN, STUDENT, SAYING (English): "President Obama, he did - he is always a great speaker, I think he could have done better tonight honestly. I am a fan of him, I like a lot of his policies, he seemed nervous for some reason and almost let some questions threw him off, and Mitt Romney seemed to throw him off as well." It was a similar scene at this Los Angeles party, where Romney's performance seem to catch some by surprise. SOUNDBITE: CHUCK FLORISS, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, SAYING (English): "I thought they both had a lot of good things to say. I thought that Romney would falter more than he did. I thought it was pretty even." SOUNDBITE: MATT LAZARUS, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, SAYING (English): "I thought Romney did quite well. I think Obama though hammered him on the lack of specifics." There are two more debates to go before America goes to the polls on November 6th.