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Events
Sam Jaffe
Junior, History and American Studies
Read More About the Debate
I certainly felt enormous pride about the third presidential debate. The excitement about this momentous event had been building on campus, but it absolutely reached a crescendo on October 15. I have never felt such an electric atmosphere, as members of the media descended onto the campus. With no classes that day, and the weather being so mild, it seemed like every student and faculty member was camped out on campus, either watching or becoming involved in the activities. In the early afternoon, I was asked to stay with Chris Matthews, the renowned MSNBC commentator, in order to “guard” him so he could eat his lunch in peace. I found him to be highly intelligent and motivated as he readied himself for an evening of interviews and analysis.
Of course, I was disappointed not to be one of the lucky recipients of a ticket to attend the actual debate, but it was still thrilling to watch it with my peers. The room I was in was mixed with supporters of both Obama and McCain and even a good number of undecided students. Many of us had been watching the race for months with a keen interest, especially since we were first-time voters for a presidential election. Clearly, this election represented a defining moment in our nation’s history, given the extraordinary domestic and foreign policy issues that presently face our nation.
When the debate ended, we all began our own discussions about the merits of both candidates, and we analyzed the job they had done under the great pressure of the moment. I was asked to appear on FOX News and be interviewed by Greta Van Susteren about Hofstra students’ reaction to the debate. I had only enough time to call my parents to tell them to record the interview on television and race back to my dorm to make sure my suit and tie I had been wearing since 5 a.m. were still proper looking. I made it back to the designated area for the interview. The next thing I knew, I was on national TV and being grilled by one of the nation’s most well-known political commentators! This was a challenge and a great thrill, and it capped off one the most exciting days of my college career.
Hofstra and its student body were truly the winners of the presidential debate that evening.
