Let’s just say Hofstra University is the political epicenter of the world. 

Less than 72 hours before the first presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle at Hofstra, not only was the campus buzzing and electric, but David S. Mack’s heart was also throbbing with excitement. 

Mack, who is a 1967 graduate of Hofstra and a longtime donor to the university, helped bring the 2016 debate to campus for the third consecutive time. 

It’s safe to say that he has made history come alive. How? Hofstra is the only university to host three presidential debates. And he is one of the three alumni donors who helped to fund all three of them. 

Mack took the time to talk about his take on the debate that happened on Monday.

He shared his hopes about Republican nominee Donald Trump.

“Hopefully, he [Donald Trump] will be more specific.”

He was harsher towards Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, by urging her to answer questions directly and straight to the point. “She needs to be upright.”

Mack added that when the moderator, Lester Holt, asks the questions, they need to be substantive questions and not general ones. 

When asked about his fears for the debate, he said he has none. “I think the security is all but done, we have the best setting for the debate and the best security for the debate than all other universities.” 

Mack feels this debate will be well-watched throughout the whole country. “People will either be listening to the radio or watching it on television.” 

As for him, he has the best seat in the house. Mack will be sitting in the first row in the debate hall, usually known as the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.   

He went as far as to say that this debate is the most important one. How so? Well, first he took a hit at President Obama by saying that he did not do well on stage in 2008 when he was facing off against Senator and Republican nominee John McCain at Hofstra during the first debate. However, Mack said this debate is a whole new story.

To Mack, this debate is crucial and said the two candidates will speak their mind. He mentioned he knows both candidates personally and is honored that Hofstra is hosting the debate three times in a row.

So, what is he hoping for? Let’s just put it this way: We will see what happens on stage between these two candidates. Time will tell.

“I supported this debate because this is a milestone for Hofstra University and Nassau County, where I live. This debate brings the attention to prospective students who would like to attend a university where there is life on campus. This is just a real honor that Hofstra University will have its third debate in a row.” 

Mack then expressed his pride for Hofstra. “First comes Hofstra University in importance and second comes the debate.”

Justin Grant is a cousin of David S. Mack