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    Chris Bandrowsky, 20, of Denver, dressed in red, white and blue, gives the thumbs up while having his picture taken at DebateFest at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver, before the first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

    Denver debate party

    Prior to the first presidential debate, the University of Denver threw a party called Debate Fest. It included a free-speech zone, live music from several bands and a live broadcast of MSNBC's "Hardball."