Democrats gather for East Bay debate watching party
LAFAYETTE, Calif. - California Democrats at a debate-watching party in Lafayette voiced a wide range of opinions about who scored points in the first Democratic debate Tuesday night.
Although Hillary Clinton has a commanding lead in the polls, independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is a strong second , and many Democrats said they wanted to hear all five Democratic candidates weigh in.
"I think Democrats want to see real competition. you know. They want to see who is some of the best and what are some of the best ideas," said Katie Ricklefs of Lafayette, who serves as President of the Lamorinda Democratic Club.
Supporters of Sanders ranged in age from young students to seniors.
"What I like about Bernie Sanders is that he's standing for the middle class, which is in danger. He's standing for American Democracy thats in danger," said Gordon Miller of Walnut Creek.
Backers of Hillary Clinton came with buttons, shirts, and a big cardboard cutout.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley supporters also had a campaign table.
"I support Governor O'Malley, because he's the only candidate who has 15 years of executive experience, so he talks the talk and walks the walk," said Ken Richard, an O'Malley supporter from Walnut Creek.
The watch party's theme was "Cheers not jeers" and people listened intently to the candidates. At times the crowd laughed and clapped. Many said the debate helped them because they're still undecided.
Sean Patrick Cruz, 17, will be a first time voter and says he is torn between a Democrat and Republican.
"Probably thinking about Jeb Bush or maybe Clinton," said Cruz, a Lafayette student.
Other Democrats say they are still weighing their options.
'I'm on the fence. I was a very big Obama supporter and I think I'm going to go for Hillary," said Jane Gorelick of Walnut Creek.
O'Malley, who lags far behind Sanders and Clinton in the polls seemed to surprise many here.
"I hadn't really paid attention to him prior to the debate and so I just like his views. I like what he has to say about Black Lives Matter," said Debra Vinson of Antioch.
For many voters it was a chance to hear and see what lesser known candidates such as Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb had to offer.
"I would say that Jim Webb surprised me in the fact that he is so well-versed in foreign affairs," said Richard.
Although Clinton is a front runner, many of her supporters said she had no major missteps in the debate. It was important for all voters to see the vigorous challenge from Sanders and others, as well as the breadth within the Democratic party.
"I think that Senator Sanders has established himself as a very formidable opponent, so I'm very much enjoying the interaction between the two and I look forward to the coming debates ahead," said Satinder Mahli of Martinez.
Five more Democratic debates have been scheduled before the Democratic National Convention in July. The next Democratic debate is November 14th in Des Moines, Iowa.