Pat Getz watched Thursday's presidential debate "looking for somebody to act like they weren't programmed."

"I didn't see that," the 72-year-old widow said at the close of the 90-minute debate between Republican President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry.

"They're a couple of rascals," the Amidon resident said. "I don't think any one is any better than the other one. Unfortunately, that's the choice we have."

Amidon city Auditor Doris Preiss said she did not know how much of an impact the debate would have on the 16 residents of her town in southwestern North Dakota.

"Most of the people around here are Republicans, although there are a couple of dyed-in-the-wool Democrats," Preiss said. "I don't think the debate will change anyone's mind, but it might."

An estimated 550 people turned out at a concert hall at North Dakota State University in Fargo to watch the debate. The event was organized by a communications class on campus and opened to the public.

"There has been a lot of cheers on both sides, for both candidates," said Amber Balken, a senior communications major from Rothsay, Minn., who helped organize the viewing event. "There's a good chunk of students who haven't made up their mind, and hopefully this will help them make up their mind one way or the other."

Balken said she had "kind of known" before the debate who she would vote for.

"I knew what views I believe in and what I wanted to see done, and seeing (the debate) sealed that for me," she said.

Getz said that despite her disappointment Thursday night, she will watch the coming debates in the hope that they will help her make up her mind on who to vote for. She said she is considering voting for independent candidate Ralph Nader, and wished he were a part of the debates.