Following the first presidential debate, divides between political parties seem more apparent than ever. In this election, one of the most divisive in recent history, millennials’ interest have grown, according to the Pew Research Center. University students on both sides of the aisle had a lot to say after last week’s debate. 
Jennifer Nguyen, political science freshman: “I thought the first debate was quite entertaining. Trump did really well in the beginning keeping his composure, and Hillary really prospered towards the end of the debate. Both candidates portrayed themselves the way I thought they would have, and I can’t wait for the other debates.”
Sam Cosby, psychology senior: “I thought the debate should have been more about each candidate’s individual policies in regards to fixing the problems our country has. As far as the election goes, I don’t think either candidate is a slam dunk, but I believe that Trump is more capable and trustworthy than Hillary.”
BJ Collins, political science sophomore: “Hillary is talking about stuff that relates to all races, and Donald Trump is bashing all races, which is wrong.”
Jake Roblez, fifth-year mechanical engineering student: “It was more entertainment than information, which is the big problem that I was worried would happen. Neither of them talked about the people, and that’s really where we should be having this argument. I think that our current situation is people are changing their minds to fit their party.”
Morgan Copeland, communications junior: “I feel like this year’s election is not really being taken as seriously. I feel like the candidates are more focused on each other rather than the actual issues.”
Kayla Patterson, history/geography senior: “I feel like it was more competition-wise, like battling, so you really couldn’t hear a valid point. They both were interrupting each other.”
Karl Schulze, mechanical engineering junior: “As far as the debate is concerned, it was a little ridiculous with Trump being ‘Trump’ and Hillary pushing his buttons to make him say the stuff that really she wanted to. I don’t necessarily know who I’m voting for yet. I’m still waiting for the debates to happen, and I want to learn more about all of the nominees of all parties, not just Republican and Democratic.”
Laura Charpentier, junior: “I hate politics. I hate both the people running, and I think they’re just on a power trip, and they’re liars. I used to keep up with the elections and the debates and everything, but this year, I just really don’t like either of the people running.”

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