LIVE: East Bay Leaders React to Obama-Romney Debate

7:30 p.m. — A lot of subjects hit on in the debate. The economy, the deficit, health care, gridlock in Washington were a couple. Did you like the answers from the canidates? We'll learn more from the people with debate now over, but give your opnions now in our comments section. 7:15 p.m. — Romney stumbling over saying "poorer" and then recovering with "low-income," got some laughs. 7:10 p.m. — Eric Swalwell with a smile with Obama's line — "Is Romney keeping his plans secret because they're too good?" 7:03 p.m. — Question for readers: Who do you think is winning the debate? Are you rethinking who you are going to vote for in November? Tell us in the comments section. 6:55 p.m. —  Everyone seems to be listening intently to the health care debate. Nobody saying anything. 6:45 p.m. — I asked our guests if there were any Democrats here who think Romney is winning the debate, and if any Republicans here think Obama is winning the debate. Nobody raised their hands. 6:40 p.m. — Mark Meuser says he's disappointed by the moderator, Jim Lehrer. 6:39 p.m. — The "you only pick losers" statement by Romney got some "ooooooos" from the crowd. 6:35 p.m. — Al Phillips, the Republican Assembly candidate, hasn't said anything during the debate but he has put together a full page of notes. 6:32 p.m. — Another editor comment from me: Obama seems to be sharper as the debate is going on. 6:27 p.m. — Obama saying, "I like it," when Romney apologized about calling Obama's health care law "Obamacare," garnered some laughs from the group. 6:21 p.m. — "I guess there's no rules (for the debate), just suggestions." Mark Meuser, Republican state senate candidate. 6:17 p.m. — This is completely an editorial comment of mine (has nothing to do with the people here), but I think Romney is doing well.  6:12 p.m. — Romney line about "the middle class being buried" wasn't lost on many of the people at our party. (A reference to a recent Joe Biden line). 6:07 p.m. — Just about everyone chuckles at Romney's line about this not being the most romantic place for the Obama's anniversary. 6:05 p.m. — And we're off! Right before the debate, Amy Miller of the Dublin School Board says, "I'm nervous" with a laugh.   6 p.m. — Our attendees are having a little debate about the MoveOn.org...good way to get the fire started. 5:55 p.m. — People are starting to file in at the East Bay Patch debate party here in the Tri-Valley. Shelby McNamara, Danville chamber chief executive, David Behring, Danville Rotary, Al Phillips, Republican Assembly candidate and Eric Swalwell, Democratic Congressional candidate are a few of the people here. --- Stick with Patch tonight as political and business leaders from the East Bay respond in real time to tonight's first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney. They are here in the Tri-Valley at Patch's debate watching party, we will let you know what they think of the debate. Also, chime in yourself in the comments section of this article to give your thoughts of the debate and questions you might have to East Bay leaders. The live chat will start at about 5:45 p.m.Like Castro Valley Patch on Facebook | Follow Castro Valley Patch on Twitter | Get Free Castro Valley Patch Newsletters