Western Wayne Democrats Side with Obama's Policies in Debate

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney came out swinging Wednesday during the first presidential debate, but it was the message of President Barack Obama that scored points with Western Wayne County Democrats on Tuesday.

Thirty-year-old tax return software employee Tracy Ringstad of Canton said she did not know what to expect before the debate between Obama and Romney, but felt Obama's message resonated the most. 

"Personally, I think Barack Obama did better because he actually addressed the questions," Ringstad said.

In line with her day job, Ringstad, who said she generally sides with Democrats on many issues, said she was most interested in learning about Romney's tax plan, but felt details remained scarce after the debate.

"I don't think he's provided details," she said. 

As for Romney, Ringstad said he performed "better than expected," but felt his message rang hollow. 

Ringstad was among nearly 20 people watching the debate at the Western Wayne County Democrats' campaign office at Lilley and Joy roads in Canton. The group, which included Rep. Dian Slavens (D-Canton), Wayne County Commission candidate Jim Amar, State Representative candidate Tim Roraback (D-Plymouth), partial-term U.S. Congressional candidate David Curson (D-Belleville) and Michigan Democratic Delegate Sommer Foster (D-Canton), watched the MSNBC broadcast on a large-screen projector, cheering on Obama and playing a debate-themed Bingo game created by Mother Jones magazine that scores points when specific phrases or mannerisms take place during the debate.

There was a sense among attendees after the debate that Romney might have out-performed Obama in the debate, but that Obama's responses hit closer to home.

Geri Kilsdonk of Plymouth, a 69-year-old Ford retiree who identifies herself as a pro-business and pro-union Democrat, said she felt Obama "was more expressive," and appeared "exasperated" when responding to Romney's remarks.

She characterized Obama as more relaxed and said she supported his arguments for the Affordable Care Act health care plan, known colloquially as "Obamacare", but felt Romney might have scored points on economic issues.