Chicago's debate-watch parties drew enthusiastic crowds on Tuesday, with voters ready to weigh on the first and potentially sole face-off between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Approximately 45% more people than usual packed into Old Town Pour House, compelling the establishment to open its usually-closed upstairs seating, reported CBS News Chicago. Across town, venues from sports bars to union halls buzzed with anticipation and political fervor.

Key issues like the economy and abortion elicited strong reactions from the Chicago-area voters, many of whom came with specific concerns in mind. At Ida's Legacy hosted event at Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar, Anika Chase, told Chicago Sun-Times, that she was pleased with Harris' handling of economic questions and advocated for her small business plan. Meanwhile, Lauren Kikee, a stalwart Trump supporter who attended the Niles Township GOP gathering at El Fuego, highlighted inflation as her chief concern, lamenting over the 'horrible' economy.

At the bipartisan watch party hosted at the Old Town Pour House, the atmosphere seemed more subdued compared to the more partisan spaces, but the venues all shared the same underlying current – a palpable tension over the nation's trajectory as shaped by the next president. With businesses enjoying the mid-week surge, civic engagement appeared to dovetail with a boost to the local economy.

Views on the candidates' debate performance varied widely. At the IBEW Local 134 union hall in Bronzeville pro-Harris attendees expressed excitement, with Kelwin Harris noting the "fresh spirit, voice coming from Kamala," as he told CBS News Chicago. On another side of town, at the Billy Goat Tavern event Jeff Feidler commented on the former president's positions on immigration and the economy, suggesting that Trump was making "some good points."

The debate's impact, however, extended beyond immediate reactions to the local political pulse, influencing voter decisions. Sadiqua Chandler, a lifelong Republican voiced her indecision to Chicago Sun-Times. She entered the event unsure if she'd cast her vote for Trump, seeking a clearer view of Harris' policies on the economy and foreign affairs. By the end, she remained unconvinced, yearning for a second debate with more detailed policy discussions. Elga Jefferies, on the other hand, was steadfast in her support for Harris, declaring a debate victory for the vice president which she perceived as an early knockout.

While voters continue to process what they've heard and the political landscape evolves with each passing day, what remains clear from these gatherings is that Chicago citizens are deeply engaged and searching for clarity on pivotal national issues as they head toward the 2024 election.