About Hofstra
Hofstra University is a dynamic private college on Long Island, NY, where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education, health and human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law and School of Medicine. | more |
Events
Meena Bose
Professor of Political Science and Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies
Read More About the Debate
When I learned that Hofstra would be hosting the final presidential debate on October 15, 2008, I was thrilled that we would be part of this historic election. For the first time in 80 years, an incumbent president or vice president was not seeking the White House, resulting in a wide-open race that saw nearly a dozen candidates in each of the major parties participate. Watching the parties whittle down their choices was a fascinating process, and having the two nominees meet at Hofstra for their final policy discussion just three weeks before the election gave our community a unique firsthand opportunity to see the candidates address the key issues of importance in American politics today.
The Iowa caucuses provided the first surprise in what became a roller coaster ride through the nominating contests, and Hofstra launched a highly illuminating series of lectures and other events under the title “Educate ’08” to analyze the presidential campaign in progress. Highlights for me included seeing our students converse knowledgeably and enthusiastically with pollsters, media commentators, and former public officials about the candidates, the reasons for high youth interest in this election, and many other pertinent topics.
The sunny weather on the morning of the debate boded well for the occasion. Students with different political affiliations – Democrat, Republican, and other parties as well – converged on campus to advocate for their candidates, holding enthusiastic rallies that energized the crowds. Representatives from local, national, and international media came to Hofstra to see what students, faculty, and the community had to say about the election, and the spirited events on campus illustrated the widespread excitement about the pivotal event taking place here. The debate itself was informative and engaging, with both candidates giving perhaps their strongest presentations on their policy views. Of the many history-making events in this election, the last debate clearly ranks highly for its substance and for the setting that helped both candidates flourish. It was a glorious moment for Hofstra and American democracy.
