GOP debate watch parties on the Central Coast

The race to the White House is in full swing. For the first time nationally, the top10 2016 GOP candidates went head to head in a heated debate Thursday night.

In Monterey over 50 people packed the Monterey County Republican Headquarters eager to hear from the presidential hopefuls.

“I think people are looking for a statesman and people who are going to be good leaders,” said Brandon Gesicki with the Monterey County Republican Party.

And put on a good show – many analysts suggest thousands of people tuned in just to hear what celebrity billionaire Donald Trump would say next. But Gesicki said that’s not necessarily a bad thing if it draws more people to pay attention to a serious decision.

“I’ve called it the Summer of Trump and it obviously is but, you know, I think that’s a good thing,” said Gesicki.

Meanwhile in Seaside, a much different watch party of about 40 Monterey County Democrats gathered to catch the debate.

“They’re just out of touch and out of date,” said Shawn K. Bagley with the Democratic National Committee.

Bagley said the debate was pure entertainment. The Donald’s comments and digs trumped the debate.

“They’re attacking Hilary Clinton, they’re attacking the Democratic Party as being the party of the past. These guys, they need some brain surgery,” said Bagley.