Millions of people watched the much-anticipated presidential debate Sunday night, including students of all political backgrounds at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.
Before the debate even started, there was a surprise as Republican nominee Donald Trump held a news conference with three women who accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual impropriety.
“I thought for him it was a good strategy because of all the criticism he’s receiving over his video from 11 years ago,” Scott Pitz, a sophomore, said.
Videotape from 2005 surfaced Friday in which Trump had a crude conversation about women.
“You can’t make this up, right? We’re talking about the people who want to lead our country,” Murphy Siegel, a junior, said.
Those were just some of the students who watched the second presidential debate from Quinnipiac University’s student center on Sunday.
Many were still talking about the video released on Friday.
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“I don’t think it’s fair to judge him based on something he said when you actually look at Bill Clinton, he actually did those things,” John Tyler Castellanete, a sophomore, said.
“I just thought it was awful he would say those things about those women, especially because we have just as much rights as he does,” Celina Carreiro, a sophomore, said.
Supports of Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton intensely watched as the candidates explained their views on the campaign, taxes and foreign affairs.
Some students said they hope their favorite can sway enough voters to win with just about a month to election day.
“I’d definitely like to see Donald Trump just keep being honest and keep being who he is because I know Hillary Clinton is a liar,” Ashley Pronovost, a freshman, said.
“I’m looking at a lot of Trump redeeming his mistakes and Hillary just keep defending herself, just keep pushing and getting those votes she needs,” Ashlee Baldwin, a freshman, said.
The student-run watch party also provided attendees a chance to register to vote.
