Jessica Bolich
On Monday, September 26, the first of three presidential debates was held at Hofstra University, in New York. This event was broadcast live, and record numbers tuned in to view it, including many students of Stockton University. We gathered in the Board of Trustees room to attend the first debate watching party, which was sponsored by the Stockton Political Engagement Project. The party included refreshments and a debate-themed bingo game.
The format of the debate was one in which the two candidates were asked specific questions by a moderator in front of a live audience. They were given two minutes each to answer the questions and also had the option to comment on each other’s answers. The questions were divided into three categories: Achieving Prosperity, The Direction of America, and Securing America. Both candidates expressed their views on the different topics that were brought up during the debate. These topics ranged from why the candidates thought that they were better suited for the presidency to Secretary Clinton’s emails and Donald Trump’s tax returns.
The debate started a few minutes late and both candidates had times where they continued to speak beyond the two-minute time limit. Audience members also continued to make noise despite instructions to stay quiet. Viewers also noted the not-so-subtle jabs that the candidates made at each other. These included Donald Trump blaming Hillary Clinton for a myriad of things, and Secretary Clinton telling Trump that he lives in his own world. The candidates also took the debate as an opportunity to promote their individual websites, complete with fact checkers.
For students who were unable to attend the debate on the 26th but are interested in the current election, there are three more debate watching parties in the future that all are welcome to attend.