• Hillary Clinton supporters gather at Dublin Square for the Democratic watch party

LANSING - Many Republicans and Democrats gathered around town to watch the first head-to head presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Monday night.

The Michigan Republican Party Headquarters, 520 Seymour Ave, Lansing, was home to the Republican watch party.

Randy Pilon, Deputy Communications Director for the Republican Party said Donald Trump will bring a lot of good things and he's prepared and speaking to a lot of average day Americans.

"Hillary Clinton has 30 years of experience in debates so the pressure is on her to
perform ," he said. "I don't think she will live up to it. "

In East Lansing, Dublin Square was the hotspot for the Democrats.

The upscale Irish pub was full of Hillary supporters, with standing room only.

Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. (D) says it's finally a chance for the American people to see both candidates on stage.

"Hillary Clinton will be the clear choice," he said.

The debate aired at 9 p.m. Monday live from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y and was televised on C-SPAN, CBS, Fox, NBC, CNN, ABC, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, or through Facebook Live stream.

NBC's Lester Holt was the moderator.