First debate over, the circus packs up from Hofstra

Hofstra, a private university 25 miles east of New York City, was chosen in July to step in as debate host for the first face off after Wright State University in Ohio backed out. The video here gives you a visual idea of the sheer resources that go into making 90 minutes of prime time television count. [caption id=“attachment_3021782” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump shake hands during the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. (Joe Raedle/Pool via AP)[/caption] The university, with an enrollment of 10,870, was able to put together logistical plans for the debate in about 60 days, building on its experience of having hosted debates in 2008 and 2012. The lucky winners of the lottery for debate hall seats were to be notified over the weekend whether they’re getting in. “I do not have a strong background in politics, so having this here really gives me the opportunity to learn more about it,” said Jordan Heiden, a senior from Southwick, Massachusetts, and debate volunteer who will be working in the media filing center. The educational experience goes beyond the activities on the day of the debate. Since the fall semester began two weeks ago, campus speakers have included former Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, Democratic strategist David Axelrod — a former adviser to President Barack Obama — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eugene Robinson and Stephen F. Hayes, a senior writer at The Weekly Standard and Fox News contributor. (Text by AP)