The Arizona Democratic Party hosted a debate watch and post-debate rally featuring Sen. John Kerry and the band the Foo Fighters at Tempe Beach Park Wednesday night.
Kerry spoke about his political platform for about 15 minutes after the debate to roughly 20,000 people.
"We need a president who fights as hard for your job as he fights for his own," Kerry said.
Kerry asked the crowd how many students were present.
After hearing the cheers, he promised students would receive a $4,000 tuition tax credit if he were elected president.
He encouraged the crowd to vote and help out at the polls.
"This is the most important election of our lifetime," Kerry told the audience, who cheered wildly.
The Democratic candidate's family was in tow, including his wife, Teresa Heinz-Kerry, along with supporters, including Gov. Janet Napolitano.
Napolitano said the energy in the crowd was everywhere and she couldn't see where the crowd ended.
"The debates really illustrated the difference between the candidates," Napolitano said. "I think in Arizona [the debate] played an important part of Kerry closing in on Bush."
Demonstrators at the rally in favor of Kerry waved signs and held a large Bush puppet.
Journalism and mass communication junior David White said he came to see "the future president."
"It's important for young people to show support for either candidate," he said. "Plus you can't beat a chance to be 100 yards away from someone so important."
He also said the Foo Fighters playing next to ASU helped to bring out young people.
The band performed live both before and after the event.
Marketing junior Ingrid Schnell said she attended for a chance to see Kerry speak.
She said she supports Kerry because, "he has strong belief about family and bringing the nation together."
Reach the reporter at shaina.levee@asu.edu.
