Sacramento State was a flurry of activity as many came to participate in rallying, protesting and watching the recall debate on Sept. 24. The debate was closed to a majority of students, but many watched on various televisions around campus.

In Mariposa Hall, government professor Jeff Lustig moderated a discussion among various students about what they thought of the debate and the candidates’ conduct.

“McClintock knew the facts but his eyes made him kind of freaky looking,” said junior Josh Speaks of the Republican candidate. Other students felt that some of the more liberal candidates did a better job.

“(Peter) Camejo was the most emotional,” said junior Omar Barragan. “Cruz (Bustamante) was the most professional because he was calm and collected and didn’t interrupt like Arnold did.”

There were mixed feelings among the debate viewers concerning Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments to Arianna Huffington.

“Arnold’s one-liners are going to cost him,” said Gina Keel, professor of California Politics at Sac State.

“For Arnold to seal up the election he needed to come out and clear up everything,” said a student in the crowd of Mariposa Hall. “Tonight he didn’t do that.”

Junior Bridget Nolan felt that McClintock carried himself better than the Hollywood actor.

“McClintock said what he stood for,” Nolan said. “Arnold just said sound bites.”

In Alpine Hall, government professor John Syer led another discussion, where roughly one-third of the viewers felt that Gov. Gray Davis will survive the recall.

“This turned into a brawl among the Hollywood candidates,” said government professor Kim Nalder. “Cruz got pulled into it and I think that might turn people towards Davis.”