Post Debate Reactions Gathered in Fayetteville

Lois Romano, an Oklahoma-based Washington Post reporter, drove over for the debate and spent the evening with 10 Arkies at Mitchell’s home. The guests included Dennis Hunt, an investment banker with Stephens Inc. in Fayetteville. He voted for Bill Clinton twice and Al Gore once, but after the debate said he’s leaning toward Bush.

Other local participants included Penny Lalacona, a Bush supporter who was critical of the president’s performance on Sept. 30; Republican Ritta Mitchell, who said she was “absolutely shocked” at how well Kerry came across; and Democrat Joe Campbell, a retired executive from Hudson Foods, who said he thought President Bush was disrespectful when he referred to Russian President Putin as “Vladimir.”