Posted at: 10/04/2012 6:46 PM
By: Dietrich Nissen

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Local Voters React To First Presidential Debate

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- For many national critics and political analysts, Governor Mitt Romney looked like the winner of last night's presidential debate, but we wanted to find out what voters thought. So on Thursday, we hit the streets to find out what people on both sides and in-between thought about their performances.

After Wednesday night's debate, everyone watching knew Mitt Romney made an impact.

"I thought Romney did a very good job," says New Hampshire resident and Republican voter, Dan Crowley. He called Romney's performance revitalizing.

"It was a relief because I was afraid Romney was losing it, and it’s just good to see him because he's a very good candidate," says Crowley.

"Given the whole charade, nature of the thing, and the obligatory posturing that people have to do, I was a little disappointed in Obama's performance," says Michigan resident and Democratic voter Ed Stevens and his wife, Sue. Both say the president's performance was frustrating to watch, especially given his often praised speaking skills.

"[Obama] seemed uncomfortable he didn't seem to have that assurance. I think Romney had- it looked like he had very carefully memorized script and talking points and it kind of overwhelmed Obama," says Stevens.

"It was informative if you're someone who's not familiar with politics. However for those of us who follow it religiously, it was kinda boring,"  says Georgia resident and Independent voter, Dawn Davis. The debate dragged on for her taste and she felt neither candidate offered any impressive surprises.

"I think both candidates have their good and bad points. For me, neither of them are going to help me out a whole lot but I gotta vote so I'll pick one and that'll be it," says Davis. Overall, most voters seemed skeptical.

"A lot of the stuff you see is all lies," says Crowley.

With the election a month away, and attack ads ramping up, these debates may be the key to swaying undecided voters. You can catch the vice presidential candidate debate next Thursday at 8 p.m. President Obama and Governor Romney will face off again on October 16th.