Grand Junction, Colo. (KKCO) – Colorado Mesa University's College Democrats and Republicans gathered together Wednesday night for a general election debate in the school's main ballroom.

The debate served as a public platform for students to discuss the issues on this up-coming election. Students engaged in conversation about the economy, healthcare, Amendment 64 and, of course, who should be our next commander-in-chief.

“The issues of this election are going to affect these students, these citizens for the rest of their lives and certainly for the next 40 years of their working career," said Martin Chazen, who is the faculty adviser for the College Republicans.

Both sides expressed strong opinions.

“What I think is that Obama has us on the right track as college students. He has made it easier for us to find a job when we get out of college and I think Romney would be a step back,” said Justin Lyons who is with the College Democrats.

After questions were asked from a moderator, the floor was opened to the public to propose questions to the students who represented their party in the debate.