The presidential debates are a vital part of the election process. With election day drawing closer, many students may have noticed their social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter exploding with people voicing their opinions on the debates.

On Oct. 3, the first debate between President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney was held after which most media pundits declared Romney the winner. Vice President Joe Biden faced off on Oct. 11 against vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan and came out victorious. The third debate on Oct. 16 was held as an informal town hall style meeting making Obama a clear victory.

Obama came off as lackluster and standoffish in the first debate. The president remained withdrawn even as Romney spouted lies which led to Obama being criticized for not calling Romney out on his lies.

The American people declared Romney the winner of the debate even after fact checkers rebutted his claims. It’s sad that a winner was declared based on appearing more confident rather than the validity of his statements.

Biden did not let Ryan get away with the same lies as Obama did in the first debate with Romney. Biden gave off an air of confidence and perhaps arrogance during the Vice Presidential debate, laughing and rolling his eyes as Ryan spoke. Biden called Ryan’s statements lies outright, dismissing it all as malarkey. Most opinion polls showed a victory for the vice president.

In the second Presidential Debate Obama finally showed the same confidence his running mate had in the Vice Presidential Debate. Romney thought he was catching Obama in a lie about the recent attack in which the American ambassador in Libya was killed. Fortunately, the moderator of the debate, Candy Crowley, had the transcript which proved the president was right. The audience, forbidden to make noise, suddenly burst into applause as Obama asked Crowley to “say it a little louder” as she fact checked Romney.

The final debate in Boca Raton, FL, Obama showed confidence, remaining calm and factual. Romney was flustered and came off as confused by being vague about his plans and refusing to give specifics about his policies. At times, Romney even agreed with the Obama on many issues, which made him come across as weak.

The first debate showed that the American people care more about confidence than truthfulness. It is disappointing that Romney was declared the winner just because he sounded better telling lies. As Americans, it is our responsibility to be educated on issues relating to politics so we can make informed decisions. The fact that social networking sites are blowing up with news of the debates is encouraging. It shows that young people are showing considerable interest in the election. It is important to research topics and props regarding politics and to get out and vote on Nov. 6.