Decision 2020

Hofstra students eager to hear from candidates during Monday debate

Hofstra University is counting down the minutes until NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt kicks off the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Even lifelong politicians like New York Rep. Peter King, a Republican, are turning into spectators.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” King said. “I compare it to a Lincoln-Douglas (debate), and put the two of them together and see where it turns out.”

The candidates are close in the national and battleground polls. In a new CNN Poll, Donald Trump has chiseled Hillary Clinton’s lead in Pennsylvania down to one point.

“I think he has to be reserved, calm,” said Jason Carola, a Hofstra freshman. “I think he has to let Hillary do the talking because that’s her greatest weakness.”

There will be six, 15-minute segments. Holt decided to cover three wide-ranging topics: achieving prosperity, securing America and American direction.

Hofstra students said they’ll be listening closely for how the candidates approach the latest police shootings in Tulsa and Charlotte.

“I want him to address it,” said Yaa Andoh, a Hofstra sophomore. “It’s a real thing. It’s happening. It’s happening to us. You can’t ignore it.”

Voters will be watching to see if Trump stays on message and avoids getting personal.

The 90-minute commercial-free debate will also put eyes on Hillary Clinton’s health after she had to leave a ceremony that marked the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

“She has to be concerned about it,” said King. “Fair or unfair, that’s the reality. On the other hand, if she makes it through the night, 90 minutes in good shape, it’ll be a plus for her.”

Channel 11’s Katherine Amenta will have a debate wrap-up tonight on 11 at 11.