The one and only vice-presidential debate drew mixed reactions from voters.

Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin were questioned by moderator Gwen Ifill on topics ranging from energy plans to policies on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at Thursday night’s debate.

Associate communication professor Ferald Bryan said he thinks viewers found it more competitive than expected.

“Biden was attacking McCain’s policies and voting record; Palin was attacking Obama’s record; it is easier to attack the person not in the room and they took turns doing that,“ Bryan said.

Political science professor Barbara Burrell said both candidates performed well.

“Palin had an awful lot of sound bytes that came through, and Biden’s experience showed. He did a much better job of being more presidential. She seemed nervous at first and was quite fiesty,“ Burrell said.

College Democrats president Tony Wadas said he believes Biden performed well and gave good answers but is unsure of Palin.

“At certain points, Palin said she was a member of the middle class, even though she has a network of approximately $1.2 million, according to an AP article. And she was clearly backwards on the environmental issues,“ Wadas said.

College Republicans chairman Andrew Bogda said he believes Palin won the debate.

“She demonstrated how she was a true, down-to-earth maverick with experience in the history that is necessary to bring real reform and change to America,“ Bogda said.

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain will have their next debate at 8 p.m. Oct. 7.

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