Hofstra vying for 2008 presidential debate

[cal04]

Hofstra University has thrown its hat into the presidential ring -- as a contender to host one of the 2008 presidential or vice presidential debates. The school is the only one from New York in the running.

But the Hempstead based-university, and the 18 other schools, states and organizations nationwide vying to host a debate, will be required for the first time to foot most of the bill for the event -- a price tag that could top $2.35 million.

However, those in the hunt say the honor is priceless. Stuart Rabinowitz, Hofstra's president, said the school was spurred to apply by the success of its past 11 presidential conferences, the most recent held in November 2005 on Bill Clinton's presidency, at which the former president gave the keynote address.

"It was such an invigorating intellectual exercise that it persuaded me it would be a great educational experience for the entire community," Rabinowitz said. "Many people talk about the lack of engagement among the young in the political process. This is the antidote to that." Hofstra last year launched a $1.5-million center for presidential studies.

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