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Events
The Big Picture
A Look at Some of the Events That Made 2008 One of the Most Memorable Years in Hofstra History
October 15, 2008
The Presidential Debate Between Barack Obama and John McCain
The candidates and their wives received a warm welcome following the debate.
As Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz wrote in the winter 2009 Hofstra Magazine, "Hofstra University's hosting of the third and final 2008 presidential debate put us on the global stage and made the Hofstra name immediately recognizable to people all over the world."
The debate at Hofstra was the first to be held in New York state since 1960 and the first ever at a New York college. Guests included a vast array of political dignitaries and more than 3,100 members of the media from all over the world.
Events of the day began before sunrise, with morning news crews setting up as early as 3 a.m. The excitement brought students out even at that time, and the flurry of excitement continued well into the morning of October 16.
More than 400 Hofstra students volunteered to work on the debate in various capacities -- from working with the media, to hospitality, to technical services and transportation.
Ticket availability for the debate was very limited. The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) assigned all tickets, with the majority going to the two campaigns. President Rabinowitz mandated that virtually all tickets the University received would go to Hofstra students. An online lottery system was set up, and more than 6,800 full-time, matriculated students registered to vote in the election entered for their chance to see Senators Obama and McCain spar for the final time.
Students who did not win a ticket to attend the debate still experienced plenty of excitement as they joined Hofstra faculty and staff to watch the debate, which was simulcast in various locations. Parties were held at the Mack Student Center's Main Dining Room, the Student Center Theater, Hofstra USA and the Netherlands Cafe. There were also community viewing simulcasts at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse and Monroe Lecture Center Theater. All the simulcasts for the students were covered by the media, and the community viewing at the Playhouse was broadcast in part by the BBC.
In addition to the hard work of the campus community and vendors, financial support for the debate was essential. The University acknowledges the sponsorship of the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, The John D. Miller Fund at the Long Island Community Foundation, and Sondra and David S. Mack. Additionally Newsday and The New York Observer were supporters for the University's Educate '08 initiative.
The debate at Hofstra received glowing reviews from the CPD, the media and members of the campus community. Perhaps the best indication of this positive feedback is the fact that plans are underway to file an application for Hofstra to host another presidential debate in 2012.
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