Cleveland Debate: Audience reactions

After watching the final Democratic debate before Ohio's March 4 primary, some people walked out with their version of the perfect candidate in mind.

Nida Degesys of Cleveland said she was a Hillary Clinton supporter before the debate, and is still a Clinton supporter now that it's over. She said she likes Clinton's policy on education, especially higher and early education, but is also excited about the fact that she is a woman.

"It's very important for me to see a woman in the White House," Degesys said. "I think she did really well. She comes across strong, direct and is articulate."

Granger Whitelaw traveled from Manhattan, New York, to see the debate. He said he was not completely sold on either candidate, but after Tuesday's debate, he said he will definitely vote for Obama.

"He's very composed and thoughtful," Whitelaw said. "Hillary doesn't stay true to her positions and comes across almost like a bully... it's inappropriate for a contestant for president."

Shawn Moore of Columbus was also previously undecided, but said that Obama made a lot of good statements in the debate.

"Hillary was switching back and forth, but Barack stayed the same the whole way through," Moore said.

Aaron Gobidas of Shaker Heights said he was still not 100 percent sure who he would vote for March 4, but is leaning toward Hillary. He said it's his understanding that the two candidates agree on about 95 percent of the issues, and for him, it comes down to isolating the remaining percent.

"Hillary got a little tougher tonight," Godibas said. "Barack hasn't had enough scrutiny or questioning from the media."

On a different level, Fox's "24" and CBS's "The Unit" star Dennis Haysbert, also known to many as the Allstate Insurance man, attended the debate and proudly sported a Barack Obama pin. He would not speak on-record to the media or take photos with fans, but was signing autographs.