Campaign supporters piled into the Centre County Republican and Democratic Committee headquarters in State College last night to watch their respective candidates speak in the first presidential debates of the 2000 election season.

The turnout was large for each camp, both of which were pleased with their candidate's performance.

Spirits were high during the debate at the democratic headquarters, as Gore supporters clapped and cheered when their candidate made a key point in his argument.

"He is really demonstrating his experience and capacity," said Jeff Wetzel, chairperson for the College Democrats. "He is contrasting their plans while reminding people of his experience."

The republican headquarters was enthusiastic about Bush's performance as well. Supporters rang cowbells and shouted in support when they felt Bush successfully communicated an important Republican issue.

"I was impressed with how Governor Bush addressed every question," said Rob Michaels(junior-political science), campus director of the Bush campaign. "Gore tip-toes around issues. Bush showed that he really knows what he's doing."

Gore supporters felt their candidate maintained his composure during the debates, but more importantly displayed his expertise very well.

"I was impressed with his range of topics and knowledge of the facts," said Deborah Koplin (sophomore-psychology). "I felt like Bush didn't answer the questions and seemed to flounder."

Koplin said she would have liked to see him distance himself a little more from President Clinton's administration.

Wetzel, however, said Gore has to maintain a delicate balance between new and old, which he felt the candidate did well.

"It's tricky for him to distance himself," Wetzel said. "He has to show he's been a big part of the administration, but he feels the most important thing is to look at and address the future."

Bush supporters felt their candidate redeemed himself against the popular opinion that Gore is more skilled in debate.

Before the debate began, Brendan Holloway, vice-chair of the College Republicans, said that he thought that Bush had to try to explain the inconsistencies in Gore's policies.

"Bush needs to show his qualifications," said Holloway (junior-finance). "People are questioning his ability to be president."

By the end of the debate, Bush supporters agreed that he was successful in proving his worth as a candidate.

"Bush used words of inclusion while Gore divided people," said Centre County resident Bill Bialcak. "Gore used typical Clinton techniques."