Oct 15, 2008 6:18 am US/Eastern
Presidential Debate Mania Grips Hofstra
Students Ready For History; Street Closures Announced
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Last-minute preparations are underway at Hofstra for Wednesday night's presidential debate.
CBS 2 HD visited the campus Tuesday. It is pulling out all the stops for its page in the history books.
Hofstra political science student Tyler Greenpope was breathless. He had just learned his good fortune: he was selected to usher dignitaries into the presidential debate, and then watch it all live, up close and personal.
"I almost jumped up and down screaming and cheering, but I had to be a little bit professional," Greenpope said.
The entire campus is buzzing. Historical re-enactments were held 24 hours before Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama take the stage. There was Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, a mock-slavery auction, women's rights activists and civil rights speakers -- all intended to "engage debate."
"It is amazing. I mean there are going to be 3,100 journalists here, live telecast back to Ireland, Japan, Singapore," Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz said.
One of the reasons Hofstra was selected as host was its courses on politics of presidential elections. And the university is investing $3.5 million for this unprecedented honor.
Expenses include 500,000 feet wire, 50,000 square feet of carpet, 1,500 tables and 1,400 phone lines.
"I can't believe the two candidates – one of them will be our president in a few months – and they'll be standing right here tomorrow," student volunteer Shanna Brownlee said.
The Hempstead community is hoping for an economic bounce. Restaurants, hotels and delis report brisk business. Local groups here are using the debate's national spotlight to gather attention to their causes, like children and families and peaceful alternatives.
On Wednesday afternoon the Secret Service will tell Hofstra just how many of the 250 students already cleared by security, will earn a coveted seat by lottery.
And the Secret Service is putting frozen zones in the area around the campus Wednesday:
No commercial traffic will be allowed on Hempstead Turnpike between Oak Street and Merrick Avenue. Earl Ovington Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between Hempstead Turnpike and Charles Lindbergh Boulevard.
And a reminder, you can watch the final debate tomorrow live from Hofstra right here on CBS 2 HD beginning at 9 p.m.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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