I-Reporters' take on CNN/YouTube debate

(CNN) -- An unprecedented response from younger I-Report contributors poured in after Monday night's CNN/YouTube debate. Many of the respondents were in their teens or early 20s, and they seized the chance and spoke their minds like never before.

Some of these political pundits won't even be old enough to vote in next year's presidential election.

Marcus Harun, 15, of Hamden, Connecticut, sent a commentary response in the style of a newscast.

The aspiring journalist writes his scripts and does his own editing. He says he even built a studio in his home. His 8-year-old brother does the camera work.

Harun gave thumbs-up and thumbs-down to a variety of points made in the debate, closing by saying that he hopes to be just like CNN's Anderson Cooper someday.
Watch I-Reporters offer their takes on the CNN/YouTube debate »

Another response came from 16-year-old James Brierton of Nesconset, New York, a frequent submitter to CNN I-Report. Brierton noted he was keeping an eye on the promises that the presidential candidates have been making throughout the campaign.

"It's going to be interesting to see if they make it to the White House and if they actually follow through on their promises," he noted.

Many of the young I-Reporters shared passionate opinions about the Democratic debate and its topics.

Conner Tipping, 18, of Urbandale, Iowa, said it was the best debate he's seen yet and appreciated that a broad spectrum of issues were brought up by a diverse selection of people asking questions.

"In all, it was a fun debate to watch, and it will be interesting to see what more spin comes out of it from the campaigns afterward," Tipping said.

Tipping said he plans to double major in music and political science at Iowa State University in the fall. E-mail to a friend