The crowd of over 100 people that watched the debate at the Institute of Politics ARCO Forum said it was more engaging than the one on Tuesday between Vice President Al Gore '69 and Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

"I thought it was really well done--it was more substantive than the presidential debate," said Christina T. Shay '02.

"It focused in on the issues," said Marcie B. Bianco '02, coordinator of Harvard Students for Gore. "They weren't critiquing each other's character as much which I thought was good."

The audience was overwhelmingly supportive of the Democratic ticket, loudly cheering for Lieberman at the beginning of the debate. Posters supporting Gore and Lieberman hung from the walls of the forum.

However, many Democrats were impressed with the Republican nominee's performance.

"I think Cheney did more good for Bush than Lieberman did for Gore. I thought he was much more articulate in explaining and justifying his positions," said Shawn T. Malone, who is pursuing a Master's Degree at the Kennedy School.

Meghan L. Sibole '03 said she thought the debate was "really enjoyable to watch, especially the humor," citing one particular exchange between the two candidates after Lieberman said that most Americans would say they are better off today than they were before President Clinton took office.

"I'm pleased to see, Dick, from the newspapers that you're better off than you were eight years ago," said Lieberman.