Democratic Supporters Take Debate to the Streets

2016 is a historic election season in the Empire State. New York hasn't seen a primary this competitive in decades, and that competition was especially evident last night on the streets outside the Democratic Debate.

As Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders battled it out on the Brooklyn Navy Yard debate stage, crowds of supporters rallied in the surrounding neighborhoods. Sanders fan and Brooklyn resident Michael Rad was there, Bernie sign in hand.

"There's only one candidate who's had a strong moral compass, who's been consistent in their message the whole time," Rad said. "it's hard to deny the fact that who that is, is Bernie Sanders."

During the debate, the ralliers headed to nearby viewing parties.

The Clinton campaign set up in the large, warehouse-like Steiner Studios, while Sanders supporters hunkered down in the back of an Italian restaurant down the street. Both sides had different ideas about how the debate went, like Clinton fan Francis Yussuf.

"She is doing wonderfully well, tonight in particular," Yussuf said with a laugh. "She's killing this guy."

But New Yorkers on any side of the political spectrum would likely agree on one thing. As Sanders supporter Jerry Fields said, "this is history, and it's very important."