First 2016 presidential debate is most watched ever

Hofstra University played host on Sept. 26 to the first of three presidential debates this year, pitting Democrat Hillary Clinton against Republican Donald Trump in what the pundits most often described as an historic forum. 

Indeed it was. Clinton became the first woman to take part in a presidential debate, and Trump came into the forum not as an elected or former elected official, but rather as an outsider entrepreneur. NBC news anchor Lester Holt moderated.

It was also the most viewed presidential debate in history, as about 84 million people watched on television and millions more saw it through live-streaming on electronic devices. 

The atmosphere on the Hofstra campus was electric, as students spilled out into the corridors and parking lots surrounding the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, which was closed to the public. Most students were curious just to see what was happening. Others protested this issue or that issue. Hofstra University hosted presidential debates in 2008 and 2012, and became the first university to host three straight presidential debates.

“Hofstra University is honored to be called on to host the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, 2016. This is an extraordinary privilege and responsibility,” Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz said. “We greatly appreciate the faith shown in us by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and we have begun preparations for a very successful debate.”

In the Five Towns, Hewlett resident Charles Kovit, a Republican, said that overall he liked the debate, and Michael Turi, of Woodmere, a Democrat, said it showed the stark differences between the candidates.

Kovit, 58, is a Town of Hempstead attorney and serves as the attorney for Atlantic Beach village. Kovit, the Hewlett GOP leader, stressed that the opinions expressed were his own and not the party’s.

“I think Hillary showed that she has debating skills, but Trump nevertheless solidified his momentum,” Kovit said. “Indeed, this is a anti-establishment year in which the voters are fed up with an elitist class in Washington that doesn't seem to look out for them.  She came across with the same tired rhetoric that ultimately never helps anyone, while he was the voice of fresh new ideas and optimism, unshackled by special interests or political correctness. 

“I think he showed that he's listening to the people,” he continued, “and understands their concerns about enhancing their economic opportunities and safety in their neighborhoods. No one could doubt that he will stand up decisively for America on the world stage, and for ordinary Americans against the big, bad special interests.”

Turi, 39, a self-described “proud Democrat, said, “I thought the debate reinforced the simple choice being put to American voters: a measured, exceptionally qualified woman versus an unstable, misogynistic narcissist who is woefully unprepared to lead a public he's spent a lifetime stepping on.

“I am a staunch Hillary supporter, and she definitely has my vote,” he continued. “I think she easily won the debate and demonstrated quite effectively that Mr. Trump will not answer questions, cannot speak with depth on any issue, and does not believe the public has a right to know with whom he’s associated throughout his life. I can’t imagine thinking much less of Mr. Trump than I already did, but I believe as the rest of this campaign unfolds, the remaining swayable voters will see just how dangerous a Donald Trump presidency would be for our nation.”