Hofstra hosts Clinton, Trump in debate

Hofstra University played host on Sept. 26 to the first of three presidential debates this fall, pitting Democrat Hillary Clinton against Republican Donald Trump in what the pundits most often described as a historic forum.

Indeed, it was. Clinton became the first woman to take part in a presidential debate, and Trump came in not as an elected or former elected official or military officer, but as an outsider entrepreneur.

Security was tight at the debate. Traffic was shut down around the Hofstra campus, and on Hempstead Turnpike in Hempstead. Preparations began weeks before the big day.

“No matter what candidate you support, Monday night was like the Super Bowl of this political season,” State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat from Valley Stream, said. “It was nice to be around people who want to be involved in politics and do so in a peaceful way.”

In addition to Valley Stream, Solages, a Hofstra graduate, represents Elmont and parts of Franklin Square and Floral Park.

Solages, who said she was there “in the spirit of democracy,” took part in activities with Hofstra students. “It was really cool to be in the atmosphere,” she said of the debate. “I’m so glad Hofstra University hosted this event for the third term in a row. When the debate came on, it was just like a hush, and then everyone reacted to it, supporting their candidate or reacting negatively to things they didn’t like.

“All in all, I think it was a great debate, and it really truly highlighted the differences between both candidates,” Solages added. “Though I have my preferred candidate, I’m glad people get to hear what the candidates have to offer. It was one of the biggest nights in modern political history.”

Valley Stream Republican Executive Leader and former Mayor John DeGrace said he thought Trump won the debate, despite many political observers’ opinions to the contrary. “I’m partisan, I’m trying to be objective, but I think Trump held his own for someone who’s not been a career politician,” he said. “I thought he was excellent when it came to the economic issues that the country faces — especially trade.”

DeGrace, who represented the Valley Stream Republican Club at the Republican National Convention in July, said that Trump has had to change his approach since he secured the nomination. “I think he’s mellowed a little bit — maybe more than a little bit,” he said. “I think he’s worrying that now he’s not speaking to a totally partisan group. When you’re at the convention … everybody’s in your corner. Now it’s different. He’s on the worldwide stage, and he has to make adjustments.”

DeGrace said he was eager to see how the next two debates would unfold, and that Trump needed to outline a more detailed approach to doing away with the Affordable Care Act. “He didn’t really come out with what he’d do about Obamacare,” he said. “I happen to be in the insurance industry, and I know that Obamacare has taken a toll on a lot of smaller companies.”

Area Republicans watched the debate from the Marriott Hotel, down the road from Hofstra, where Trump was staying. DeGrace said he had heard from friends who were there that Trump mingled with his supporters after the debate.

“I don’t think anyone’s opinions changed,” DeGrace said. “I think people who are pro-Trump are going to be pro-Trump, and people who’re pro-Hillary are going to be pro-Hillary and vote that way. I do think that the next two debates will play a major impact on the people who are straddling the fence will vote one way or the other.

“Do we want to try to grow the economy and keep capitalism strong and healthy, or are we moving more into a socialistic kind of state?” he said. “I think that’s really up to the voters.”

The atmosphere on the Hofstra campus was electric, as students spilled out into the corridors and parking lots surrounding the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, which was closed to the public. Most students were curious just to see what was happening. Others protested this or that issue.

Hofstra University became the first university to host presidential debates in three consecutive election cycles. The school was the site of a debate in 2008, between then Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, and in 2012, between President Obama and Mitt Romney.

“This is an extraordinary privilege and responsibility,” said Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz. “We greatly appreciate the faith shown in us by the Commission on Presidential Debates.”

The university had agreed to serve as an alternate site this year, but was tapped by the commission after Wright State University in Ohio announced that it was withdrawing as the host institution for the first debate.

All tickets allocated to Hofstra by the Commission on Presidential Debates were distributed by lottery to current students in the days before the debate.