Annenberg Hosts Watch Party for Republican Presidential Debate

Several USC students and faculty members gathered at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism to hear from Republicans in the first presidential debate of the season.

Eight candidates participated in the event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California- Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich.

But when looking at the "legitimate" contenders, widespread opinion seemed to narrow the list down to two.

Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, and Texas Governor Perry have emerged as the frontrunners. The two battled back and forth with each other on issues such as healthcare and the economy, with several other candidates joining in and attacking the views of their two biggest competitors.

Annenberg adjunct professor Dan Schnur confessed that while several candidates may have had more impressive moments during the debate, Romney and Perry were still the primary focus.

The topics ranged from jobs and ObamaCare to energy and illegal immigration, with a greater emphasis on domestic issues than foreign relations.

The viewers at Annenberg remained fairly quiet throughout the event, with many students in attendance taking notes but refraining from applause.  

Following the debate, Schnur, Annenberg journalism professor and CCLP faculty fellow Roberto Suro, and Neon Tommy editor Paresh Dave led a panel discussion about the topics and participants in the debate.