The Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR) hosted a viewing of last Wednesday’s Democratic debate in Lienhard Lecture Hall.

Students were offered refreshments and snacks.

The activity began with a panel consisting of two students and two faculty members. Each presented the importance of the debate and what the audience should look out for.

“[The panel] is effective for the audience, it makes them aware of the importance of the debate,” student panelist Miki Carver said.

During the debate, the audience was given a sheet for a political bingo.

Instead of numbers, the sheet consisted of probable situations for the debate, for example, if Donald Trump’s name was mentioned, or if Bernie Sanders emphasized free college. This was an ingenious way of keeping the audience focused.

As the debate, which took place in Florida, began, the audience was free to comment, but everyone decided to give their complete attention to the screen. When the debate would go to commercials, the audience would begin a group discussion. You could ask a question, comment on the debate, or share your thoughts on a candidate. You were able to share your views and learn more about politics.

Due to Sanders’ shocking upset win in the Michigan primary last Tuesday, Hillary Clinton went from exuding confidence on Sunday night in Flint, to acknowledging on the debate that she is “not a natural politician.”

Sanders, with a new lease on political life, went on the attack early against the former secretary of state. He implied that she had something to hide by not releasing transcripts of paid speeches to Wall Street firms, and that she is in the pocket of Big Business.

The Vermont senator did find himself on the defensive when the discussion turned to the topic of his past praise for communist governments in Cuba and Nicaragua.

Both politicians continued to discuss climate change and job creation. The debate ended with the passionate Sanders receiving a standing ovation and a nervous Clinton sharing a smile.

“I enjoy democratic debates because there’s more substance in them than republican debates,” student Kevin Bencosme said.

Professor George Picoulas, Head of Political Science in Pleasantville, was asked who he thought would be a better candidate for the Democratic Party. Although he did not give a specific answer, he said that the ideal candidate would be someone who could compromise and be accepted by Congress.