Events
Building Momentum in 2007
Presidential Debate
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The selection of Hofstra as host of the third and final presidential debate of 2008 placed Hofstra on the national stage. Hosting the presidential debate on October 15 will go far in securing Hofstra's place as a center for the study of the American presidency.
"The debate will be a unique opportunity to showcase Hofstra University and Long Island, our nation's first suburb, to a national and international audience," said President Rabinowitz. "Long Island and Hofstra University will be introduced anew to our nation's political and government leaders, journalists and the billions of people around the world who follow the U.S. presidential elections."
The University will hold a series of academic programs in the months leading up to the debate to provide students, faculty and the community with insights into the process and workings of the nation's presidential election. (See Educate '08 events, page 41.) "With Hofstra's academic strengths, particularly with our Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency and our vibrant academic programs in political science, journalism and mass media, and law, we are poised to take advantage of the special opportunities a presidential debate offers. We plan to maximize every opportunity to involve students, faculty and the community in this historic event," said President Rabinowitz.
Indeed, even before 2007 ended, Political Science Professor David Green had signed up some 90 students to travel to New Hampshire in January to observe firsthand the final three days of campaigning before that state's presidential primary.
"Certainly this is a big honor for Hofstra to be hosting a presidential debate, especially this election, which is the most wide open presidential race in more than 50 years – some would say in 75 years," said Professor Meena Bose, Ph.D., Hofstra University's Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies and director of the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency. "And it's significant that Hofstra is hosting the debate on foreign policy just three weeks before the election." Dr. Bose organized an April 3 symposium on the presidential election process and is teaching courses this semester and in the fall related to the American presidency.
The University submitted its bid to host a debate in April. Later that month, the Commission on Presidential Debates visited Hofstra to inspect the facilities and hear from University administrators and local political leaders of the financial and community support for the debate. The commission, a nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation, has sponsored and produced every presidential and vice presidential debate since 1988. The debate at Hofstra, which will focus on foreign policy issues, will be the first general election presidential debate held in New York state since the 1960 debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon at NBC in Manhattan.
The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex will be the venue for the debate, and the adjoining Physical Fitness Center will house a media center that will host hundreds of journalists from around the world and all major television networks, as well as support services for the Commission on Presidential Debates. Other University facilities have been selected for support services for media and visitors.
