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Pre-debate parties draw Hofstra students

BY JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER | jennifer.kelleher@newsday.com

October 16, 2008

Hip-hop music blared in the darkened room adorned with red, white and blue balloons where Hofstra University students looking for a party vibe gathered last night to watch a simulcast of the presidential debate on a giant screen.

The debate was still two hours away but the Hofstra USA 11549 campus hangout and event venue was already loud and packed with students dancing to Rihanna's "Disturbia" or munching on fried finger foods.

Cardboard cutout figures of Barack Obama and John McCain flanked each side of the stage where student performers, including a Pi Kappa Alpha rock band and a group of gospel singers, provided pre-debate entertainment.

But the volume was nothing compared to the whoops and cheers that erupted when the candidates appeared on screen. Each time Hofstra - the debate host - was mentioned, the students went wild with applause and screams.

The back of student Margaret Cope's T-shirt read, "Rock Out With Your Barack Out." She said the handwritten slogan was meant to encourage young people to be vocal about supporting Obama. "It's like a huge party, like a New Year's Eve party," Cope, 20, said. "I was surprised by the turnout."

Cope, a senior from Milwaukee, said she planned to pay close attention to the candidates' answers about the economy.

"Yeah, tell it like it is," bellowed Rachel Lipkin, 18, of East Brunswick, N.J., when Obama started to respond to McCain's Joe the Plumber anecdote.

There were clearly more Obama supporters, as evidenced by the sea of signs for him and the boos that resonated when his opponent's name was mentioned.

As the debate wore on, the crowd grew more serious as the students watched intently.

"I think Obama is very poised and diplomatic," observed Jason Zove, 20, a junior from Commack. "I think McCain is showing signs of weakness by interrupting at times."

Because the debate was held on campus, Winslow Laroche, 19, said he felt an extra sense of pride for his school.

"Today it was, like, 'wow, I'm a Hofstra student,'" the sophomore from Brentwood said. "Usually, politics is for old people. But now because it's here I feel like we're part of it. It gave us an opportunity to get involved."