Hofstra Magazine

Sabrina Francois

Senior, Political Science

Read More About the Debate

“Electric” is the only way to describe the atmosphere that filled Hofstra’s campus in the weeks leading up to the third presidential debate. Because I am passionate about politics, having the debate here at Hofstra was extra special for me. As part of the Educate ’08 series, the University brought iconic figures to campus, such as ABC News host and former political adviser George Stephanopoulos and former U.S. Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Paul O’Neill, to lead discussions concerning the issues most talked about during the presidential race.

Each of the Educate ’08 events drew a wide array of students, faculty, administrators and alumni from different political, economic, cultural and racial backgrounds. This exposed me to a spectrum of opinions and ideologies that I had not yet come into contact with. I’m not sure if it was the formal Educate ’08 programs or the spirited discussions taking place around campus, but I felt as though there was a politically charged awakening among the student body.

I could hardly contain my excitement the week of the debate. Our campus was engulfed with local and international press, activist groups, and members of the general public, all anticipating the significant event that would soon take place. Before I knew it, October 15 had arrived. I was a mix of emotions – happy, nervous, and most of all eager for answers from the candidates to the many questions and concerns I had about our nation.

There had been much discussion about how the limited tickets for the historic debate would be distributed to members of the Hofstra community. I knew the online student lottery was the fairest way to handle such a high demand, but did not think I would be lucky enough to be chosen. I could not believe it when I was notified that I had been selected to attend the debate.

Arriving at the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, it was obvious how meaningful the debate was to so many people, especially the students. We didn’t take even one second for granted. Getting the opportunity to meet such inspiring politicians as Charles Schumer and Joe Lieberman, as well as many politically active celebrities, was amazing. Then as the debate began, I had a hard time controlling my emotions. I tried not to get too sentimental, but this was nearly impossible to do while I was a mere 100 feet from one of the men who would be our nation’s 44th president. The audience was completely enthralled by the exciting and heated discussion. For the duration of the debate, I sat on the edge of my seat letting all of the information – whether I agreed with it or not – soak in. At the conclusion, the air was even more charged than before, filled with talk of favorite moments and comments.

Thanks to Hofstra, my peers and I were very well-versed on the issues concerning this election. I will never forget this remarkable time of my life.