Lights up, cameras on, questions ready, and all eyes on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
What is being brought to you live through your television set on September 26, 2016, took months of planning and preparation. As a Hofstra Student, I experienced first hand every detail and preparatory measure prior to the candidates' arrival that I'm bringing to light now as the candidates will be brought to light during the first Presidential Debate.
The security.
Tight is an understatement. This morning I awoke to helicopters flying around patrolling the area or attempting to get an overhead shot at this historic occurrence down below. Hofstra public safety officers, Nassau County Police and Secret Service agents are crawling the campus. Admittance onto campus is a no go unless you are entering through the main entrance with a valid Hofstra University ID and that unispan is being checked too with officers posted at each end. Lastly, most people couldn't get to the debate if they desired to because parts of Hempstead Turnpike have been completely shut down!
The honor.
The above may sound like total and utter chaos, but Hofstra University is hosting the third consecutive presidential debate. That has never been done before by any other university in America. We are the first, and I'll take being a part of that honorable Hofstra Pride over limited parking any day.
The parking.
Students and faculty are the only ones permitted on campus today and yet, parking is still impossible due to all the lot closures. However, they were necessary to accommodate CNN, MSNBC, FOX, Eyewitness News, Telemundo, Bloomberg News, and many more media outlet's giant stages that are utilized to broadcast to you live, our campus, our students, and the debate.
The Media.
They may have just started their live coverage yesterday or the day before, but they have been here all week setting up and getting ready.
The Students
It may have been an adjustment for us students but hey, we can live with cancelled classes, free giveaways, opportunities to be on television and watch parties broadcasting the debate that is taking place in our very own sports complex arena.
The Hard Work.
The debate may have affected us in negative ways as much as it benefited us, but let's not forget to give recognition where it is due. This debate could not have happened without the hard work and dedication of Hofstra Public Safety, Hofstra Administration, Nassau County Police, The United States Secret Service, the tireless hours put in by Hofstra Students as Debate Volunteers, and the presidential candidates. So thank you to everyone for their efforts in making this day possible.
Good luck, and debate on!
