BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – University of Alabama students and others in Tuscaloosa who were looking to watch the debate had the chance at a watch party hosted by the state GOP.
The ALGOP also opened the event up to other party members who watched the historic debate from a venue overlooking Bryant Denney Stadium.
“I wanted to go to the debate obviously but this is the next best thing,” says sophomore Trenton Buffenbarnger. “It’s the experience, this is the best thing that could have happened while I was in school here and the chances of it are wild, so being able to help and participate in any part of it is amazing, its all I could have asked for.”
The ALGOP say with limited tickets available, they wanted students at the University of Alabama to have a way to watch Alabama’s first-ever presidential primary debate.
“It’s very keen that the GOP is trying to appeal to younger voters which is what’s desperately needed for the next generation and the generation after that,” said sophomore Gierman Krumins.
Krumins says the flow of this debate has allowed him to learn more about these candidates than those in the past.
“When Haley was questioned about identification for media companies, I can respect that they pushed forward to get deeper into these issues and I think that’s what’s needed,” Krumins said.
With a 50 point lead, Trump is the strongest Republican candidate, but despite the former president not showing up tonight, some say this debate is still important for the state’s republicans.
“Even if Trump wins this nomination, like he’s looking like he’s going to do, these people are putting their name out there for the next election,” Buffenbarnger says. “So that when next election season comes around, we can’t vote for Trump for a third term, if he wins, so we’re looking for a new face, we’re looking for a new person that will take over the GOP party.”
More than 170 people attended Wednesday’s watch party. The University’s college democrat organization also hosted a watch party near campus.
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