By MIKE CAPUTO
Brookmeyer, an East Meadow resident, was one of a handful of lucky people who had a ticket inside the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University for the final presidential debate of 2008 on Oct. 15.
As a volunteer usher, Brookmeyer escorted many notable figures to their seats, including the family of Sen. John McCain and Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. During the debate, national news anchors Katie Couric, Chris Wallace and Shepard Smith sat behind her, while Sen. Joe Lieberman was seated to her left.
"I was so awestruck by all the people there who I usually see on TV," said Brookmeyer, a Clarke High School graduate.
After the debate concluded between McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, Brookmeyer worked her way through the crowd and snapped a few photos. To her surprise, Brookmeyer was only within an arm's length from McCain, who happens to be the candidate that she supports and admires.
Brookmeyer said she immediately introduced herself and reached out to shake McCain's hand. The presidential candidate and his wife, Cindy McCain, shook the Hofstra student's hand and thanked her.
"The energy was still resonating through my hand," Brookmeyer said.
For Brookmeyer, it was an appropriate ending to what was an long and exciting day for all Hofstra students. Brookmeyer, who is an anchor, reporter and producer for Hofstra's radio and television stations, also held press credentials, and had access to the media center and tent. After the debate, Brookmeyer gave a live report outside of the arena, and gave her perspective on what transpired inside.
"The [Hofstra television] anchor asked me how was the debate in person rather than on TV," Brookmeyer said. "I said it is not different in watching it, it is what you feel. I felt the energy in that room that night and I will remember the energy I felt for the rest of my life."
Brookmeyer said she was surprised to see that security was not as tight as expected. Although audience members had to go through metal detectors, they were permitted to bring in cell phones and cameras. When Brookmeyer shook McCain's hand, the presidential candidate had walked right into the audience following the debate.
The actual debate was everything that Brookmeyer envisioned it would be.
"I really wanted a good show, and we received a good show," Brookmeyer said. "McCain stepped up to the plate and Obama had a smooth response."
Leading up to the debate, Hofstra hosted Educate '08, a series of seminars and lectures relating to politics and the upcoming presidential election. Brookmeyer, who covered the Republican National Convention in Minnesota last month, initially had no intentions of becoming a political analyst or reporter. Now it is what she strives for.
"I would love to work way into news organization or a political spin room," she said. "I would have never thought of that before Educate '08. That would never have happened."
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
