By AFIYA THOMAS
Staff Writer
The 2012 Mock Election Debate gave candidates a chance to voice their opinions on the issues and they were impressive, audience members said, although no one emerged as the clear winner.
Each candidate was given two minutes to answer questions which covered foreign and domestic affairs, unemployment, immigration, the economy and gay marriage.
“I was kind of hoping it was going to be more like a regular debate,” senior Christian Kelly of Brielle said. “I wanted some sparring and feuding between the candidates, but I understand why they didn’t do it, so everyone can get a word in.”
Junior Caroline Palsi of Brielle said, “I thought it was good but I thought it was going to be more argumentative but it was more informative than anything.”
Other students said they were pleased with the candidates’ depth and knowledge of the topics that were given to them.
“I thought it was really cool that students were so aware of the issues our country is faced with and they all seemed very confident and knew what they were talking about,” junior Danielle Cooper of Rumson said.
As for who won the debate, there were mixed reactions. Senior Alex Rodriguez of Long Branch said that she thought senior Matthew Goldman of Morganville would get the most votes solely because he represented Obama. She added that Green Party candidate Jill Stein’s student representative,  sophomore Megan Kelleher of Ocean, also presented a strong argument.
Senior Chrissy Doyle of Middletown said she also could not definitively choose a winner.
“I don’t really know how to judge [a winner], but I’d say Adam as Gary Johnson probably because he explained all of his points well and had a really positive reaction from the audience,” she said.
Undecided students have until Nov. 1, National Mock Election Day, to choose a favorite and cast their votes in Room 107.