Hofstra University Prepares To Host President Obama And Mitt Romney In Town Hall Style Debate
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- With two days to go until the next Presidential debate Hofstra University is buzzing. The school's basketball arena is being transformed into a debate hall, where locals will get to question the Presidential candidates.
Peter Eyre, a spokesperson for the Commission on Presidential Debates told CBS 2's Dick Brennan that the format for this debate could play a major role.
"The Gallup organization, which is an expert on Presidential polling is charged with getting undecided and uncommitted voters from Nassau County and it is those eighty people who are part of the town hall Tuesday night at Hofstra," he explained.
This debate will be the second Presidential debate held at Hofsta; Barack Obama and John McCain squared off at the University in 2008.
"It's fitting that the very pivotal debate takes place in America's first iconic suburb, since suburban voters are going to decide the election," explained Larry Levy.
Students on campus told CBS 2 that they were looking forward to the debate.
"Oh my god, I was like President Obama is coming here, debate, what?" said Asia Facey.
President Obama and Governor Romney both took Sunday off from the campaign trail to prepare for the debate.
Experts told CBS 2 that the town hall style could change the dynamic between President Obama and Mitt Romney, and that both candidates have big tasks ahead of them.
"The President has to come out strong, he has to be passionate and indignant, on the issues. Mitt Romney has to hold his own, he cannot slide back, expectations, are high for him," said Jeannie Zaino of Iona College.
The debate will last ninety-minutes and candidates will take eleven questions from the crowd.
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