Security, rehearsals ahead of Clinton-Trump presidential debate

Security was tight at Hofstra University, the site of Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump’s first presidential debate on Monday (September 26) morning.

As journalists arrived, law enforcement personnel checked cars and equipment entering the perimeter around the Dave S. Mack Sports And Exhibition Complex at Hofstra.

The debate could rank as one of the most watched and highly anticipated political showdowns in U.S. history.

The tight race for the White House and the unpredictable clash in styles between well-known but polarizing foes has generated wide interest in the potentially pivotal encounter, which comes six weeks before the Nov. 8 election.

Both Trump and Clinton, who polls show are the least liked White House candidates in modern history, hope to use the debate to erase lingering voter doubts and address campaign-trail weaknesses.

Just outside the perimeter, Tom Moran, who was costumed in a giant papier-mâché head depicting Trump,

hoped to voice his opinion ahead of the debate.

“This election is, I’m kind of scared actually. It’s not a normal election. If this man here, if he gets elected, I’m really worried,” Moran said.

“I’m worried about his finger on the button, I’m worried about his thin skin. People can provoke him and he said that if he sees the Iranians, if they give him any sign of disrespect he will fire on them, that’s not what a president should do,” he continued.

The volatile Trump, a New York businessman and former reality television star, will get a chance to show a depth and steadiness worthy of a credible commander in chief, while the cautious Clinton will be able to try to connect directly with voters who do not trust her, strategists said.

But Trump, a political newcomer who has often shown more affinity for putdowns than policy, could benefit from lower expectations from voters.

The stakes are enormous. The debate comes as polls show Clinton’s once sizable lead over Trump has evaporated amid more questions about her family foundation and her use of a private email server while secretary of state under President Barack Obama.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday showed half of America’s likely voters would rely on the debates to help them make their choice. More than half, 61 percent, were hoping for a civil debate and were not interested in the bitterness shown on the campaign trail.