The Indiana Republican Party is holding a presidential debate watch party Wednesday as President Obama and Governor Romney take the stage in Denver. The state Democratic Party will likely host an event for the second debate.
State Republican Party spokesman Pete Seat said the debate parties are a great way to connect with friends and fellow Republicans and experience the debates in a community setting.
“Millions of Americans are going to be tuning into the debate to listen to the candidates and hear about their visions for the future of the country," Seat said, " so why not share the experience with some friends?”
And an added bonus, according to Seat: from the party’s standpoint, it’s also a chance to recruit volunteers.
Franklin College journalism school director John Krull said generating the kind of excitement and turnout the state had in 2008 will be more difficult this year. Most polls show Romney with a significant lead in Indiana.
"You’re not going to see quite the same energy," Krull said. "The president hasn’t come to Indiana and Republican candidates seem to come here only to raise money and then take off."
Mr. Obama and Gov. Romney will face off in three debates in the coming weeks, while the vice presidential candidates will debate once.
(Ed. note: listeners can hear the first debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney October 3 at 9:00 p.m. on 89.1 WBOI-FM.)