About 21 Augustana College students watched the second presidential debate Tuesday night between President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent Mitt Romney.

Before the debate began, Augustana freshman Bennett Hartmann, 18, said he didn't have any set expectations for the debate.

"I just want to hear their answers to all the questions," said Mr. Hartmann, a Republican who intends to vote for Mr. Romney.

He said President Obama appeared unprepared in the first debate, while Mr. Romney had a good night. And whileVice President Joe Biden did well with his answers in last week's vice presidential debate, Mr. Hartmann said he did not like his behavior on stage.

Toward the end of Tuesday's debate, Mr. Hartmann said he believed the president was handling himself better than he did in the first debate while Mr. Romney wasn't doing as well.But he also said he thought the moderator did not manage the debate very well, to the benefit of President Obama.

His fellow Augustana freshman, Joey Strain, 18, said before the debate that he remained undecided on the Nov. 6 choice but was leaning toward President Obama.He said he hoped Tuesday's debate would provide a better idea of where the candidates stand.

He, too, said he thought the president did better in Tuesday's debate than in the first and Mr. Romney didn't do as well. The twocandidates were now on more equal footing, he said.

"They've definitely made it a more even playing field," Mr. Strain said.

In a show of hands after the debate, students indicated they believed Mr. Romney won the first debate and President Obama won the second.