Excitement watching presidential debate, but hard to find those changing their minds

While Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump duked it out at the first general election debate in New York last night, enthusiastic supporters gathered at watch parties across the country — including the swing state of Pennsylvania.

Around Harrisburg, political groups from both parties turned out dozens of vocal supporters.

In the capitol city’s downtown, a diverse group of Clinton supporters crowded into an organizing office to watch the debate. Just a short drive away in Camp Hill, the Cumberland County GOP sponsored at an event at Flinchy’s restaurant and bar.

In a booth there, Steve Johansen of conservative grassroots group Make America Great summed up the event’s appeal.

“I mean this is the Superbowl of politics,” he said. “Everybody’s excited, everybody’s out.”

Big moments in the debate came on race relations, national security, and Trump’s finances. But it’s unclear how much — or if — the event will meaningfully impact the polls of sway many voters.

Many, like Clinton supporter Olivia Peck, went in with their minds made up.

“I think she’s doing a very good job,” Peck said of Clinton. “She’s calm, she’s cool, that’s what I like about her.”

As it stands, the race has narrowed drastically.  Now Clinton’s slim lead over Trump in Pennsylvania is within the margin of error.