WNY voters react to presidential debate

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New Yorkers are weighing in on the first presidential debate. Most agree they weren't shocked by anything said Wednesday night.

For those that went into it knowing which candidate they supported, the debate reinforced their decisions. But for the undecided voters, some still left undecided.

Debate watcher Jim Bragg said, “If anything, this probably fortifies why I'd be voting enthusiastically for President Obama.”

Lackawanna resident Mike Hatem said, “I think Romney did really well in the debate because I feel like Obama already had his message out there and he really didn't respond back to some of the stuff that Romney was pushing.”

In the debate over who won the debate, the decision was pretty split from the reactions News 4 received. Some people were a bit surprised that the debate was pretty civil.

Amherst resident Mark Probst said, “I think they we're both professional, there wasn't a lot of trash talking and I think they got to point out some key issues.”

Once person thinks whoever is elected president faces an uphill battle.

Undecided voter Jen Burto said, “Right now my confidence is at an all-time low for congress and our leaders. I don't know if Obama can get over the partisan divide and I don't know if Romney got in, if Democrats would let him get anything done either."

Political analysts say the debates are among the most important events of a presidential campaign season, because they attract more viewers than the candidates’ convention acceptance speeches or TV ads.