Debate reaction at Hofstra: 'Obama showed up'

Inside the nearly full Adams Theater at Hofstra University, cheers echoed through the room each time President Barack Obama made a point, took a jab at his opponent, or mentioned the figure 47 percent at all.

But the room was occupied by Mitt Romney supporters as well, some of which found the Obama support distracting.

"If I had to go by the cheering I would say Obama won," said Mike Palmeri, of East Meadow. "I'd like to say Romney but I'm not that much of a free thinker."

Gennaro Bruni, of Astoria, will vote for Romney in the election, but he thought Obama did well in this debate.

"Obama showed up this time around," he said, but he still felt Romney had more of a leg to stand on.

"Whenever he mentions the economy, Obama is put on defense," he said.

Debbie Krypell, of Brookville, felt the same way.

"I came in a decisive voter for Romney and I haven't changed my viewpoint," she said. "But I feel Obama did better than the first debate. It was more equal and lively."