Harnwell College House's upper lobby reflected Philadelphia's battleground status, as the high rise residents found themselves in the company of the College Republicans during last night's presidential debate.
Although Harnwell staff endeavored to maintain a calm atmosphere, a few insults were exchanged between partisan students.
"We had a strong Republican presence," College Republicans President and College junior Eric Rechtschaffen said, estimating that up to 40 College Republicans showed up at the event. "I was happy to share this debate with a large number of friends and fellow [Bush] supporters," he said.
Responses to John Kerry's presence on-screen were negative.
"Flip-flop," commented a College Republican as Kerry took the stage.
By contrast, appreciative smiles and calls of "Come on, W." echoed in the lobby as President George W. Bush said, "The rest of [al Qaeda] know we're after them."
When asked by moderator Jim Lehrer about the chances of increased terrorism resulting from a Kerry victory, Bush replied, "I don't believe it's going to happen," in reference to a Kerry win, which met with resounding cheers.
"Damn right," yelled one College Republican as Bush commented, "People know where I stand."
Some of the loudest applause came when Bush remarked on Kerry's apparent hypocrisy.
Kerry "also said in December of 2003 that anyone who doubts that the world is safer without Saddam Hussein does not have the judgment to be president," Bush said.
"What my opponent wants you to forget is that he voted to authorize the use of force and now says it's the wrong war at the wrong time at the wrong place," Bush added.
Members of the College Republicans found their beliefs confirmed by the debate.
"I think George W. Bush is the man to do the best job," Wharton junior Cory Bray said.
Other Bush supporters agreed.
"Bush came across as decisive," said Wharton senior David Copley, Pennsylvania Federation of College Republicans chairman. "Kerry ... no one knows what he stands for. ... He's trying to play both sides."
"The president did what he needed to do," Copley added. "He looked presidential. ... If you ask the average American ... [Kerry] doesn't come across as likable. He comes across as sour all the time."
While the presidential debates are the not the only means by which citizens can get to know the candidates, their significance is not to be disputed.
"This is the first time we've seen the two candidates face to face," Copley said.
Rechtschaffen, also had little criticism of Bush's speech, noting only that the president should have "emphasized even more strongly that there is no price on freedom."
The one confrontational incident of the night occurred when a student threw soda on Bray in protest of his cheers for Bush.
"Thoughtful and intelligent people -- even those with deeply opposing views -- should be able to watch and listen to an exchange of ideas in a civil manner," House Dean Suhnne Ahn said.
