Plenty of people will be live-blogging the first presidential debate tonight, but here we have what you really want: a live account of Harvard’s viewing party.
8:54: The debate hasn’t even started, and the food is already gone. Also, both Ames and the overflow room are showing the debate on Fox News.
8:57: Announcement: we are thanked by the Harvard Democrats and Republicans, the Dean of Students’ Office, and possibly the Bull-Moose Party (I wasn’t really paying attention).
8:59: The rainy weather tonight has given people a lot of seat-saving options. There are coats, umbrellas and ponchos all over the Ames’ upholstery.
9:00: The room hushes to hear Chris Wallace.
9:01: Some whooping for Jim Lehrer (seriously).
9:02: I appreciate them flashing Jim’s stats as he explains the rules.
9:03: Lehrer will not tolerate your shenanigans.
9:03: Obama and Romney appear to be getting equal levels of applause here in Austin.
9:06: The aspect ratio of the projection here is excellent. Kudos to the technical staff.
9:07: Romney bit plays shockingly well to the Harvard Law audience.
9:07: “Oh, China, you so crazy” seems to be the reaction here in Austin.
9:08: You’re welcome, Mittens.
9:09: Someone appears to be playing musical chairs in the back of the hall. Some of us are trying to watch others watch the debate.
9:11: Whoa, Jim it’s your job to ask the questions.
9:13: The crowd also likes coal.
9:15: For the record, Cult. Lit. does not have a computer.
9:17: People telling Jim to shut up is apparently hilarious.
9:18: This is a good crowd; they didn’t even need warmed up.
9:20: Thank you, Bubba.
9:21: Some guy with a backpack seems to be confused about where his Fed. Courts lecture is.
9:22: From a Holmesian standpoint, Jim’s telling-off of Romney was pointless.
9:23: I have it on good authority that they don’t actually have electricity in St. Louis, so this story is really deceptive.
9:23: We, meaning Obama and Bill Clinton.
9:29: I’m back; they finally put out some more cheese.
9:33: Up is down, black is white, taxing more reduces revenue.
9:34: Lotta Spain fans in the room.
9:35: What is the over/under on mentions of “jobs”?
9:36: A cop just entered the room. We’re all going in the clink.
9:38: “Probably” on the table. Romney’s really putting himself out there.
9:39: The longer Romney talks, the more restless the room gets.
9:41: “So what you’re saying is, your grandmother was a leech?”
9:42: Some people are so disgusted with these entitlements that they’re walking out.
9:43: The room perked up drastically at the mention of “young people.”
9:45: In other words, you law students. Giggles all around.
9:46: Will Jim follow through?
9:49: But rich old people need the most care! All those rich foods . . .
9:50: Romney and Lehrer are gonna get these harmonies eventually.
9:52: I can feel the invisible hand of the market shaking its fist (itself?) at Romney right now.
9:52: How many kisses have you seen in Big Banks, Mitt?
9:54: No one here rises to answer Obama.
9:56: A Harvard Law student is literally pumping both fists at the fact that we’re moving on to healthcare.
9:57: Where my death-panel fans at?
10:01: A stunning, hilarious admission by Romney: Massachusetts does not have Medicare.
10:03: THE AUDIO JUST CUT OUT. I spoke too soon about the aspect ration. Maybe they had different people on audio and video?
10:06: Skeptical muttering at Romney’s plan, but I think it sounds great!
10:08: Maybe the invisible hand can forgive Romney.
10:10: BREAKING: Obama asks if Romney’s plans are too good.
10:12: What’s the over/under on “plan”?
10:12: Things just got Constitutional in here. The crowd is groaning.
10:15: Is Obama’s cellphone ringing? No, it’s just some guy in Austin.
10:15: BREAKING: Romney likes good schools and teachers.
10:19: I think the question on everyone’s mind in this education discussion is: will the debate end on time?
10:21: Romney’s refusal to grant Obama his own facts elicits gasps from the audience. He is the president, after all.
10:23: The room is sympathetic to Jim.
10:25: Can Jim cut the mics?
10:32: Well, this blog certainly took the wrong path coming to this party. Recommendations: more alcohol and more food for next time.
Cultural Literacy and the Law is a humor column written by an anonymous Harvard Law student. The regular column runs every other Monday.
The views in opinion editorials, columns, and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of The Harvard Law Record.