Under The National Spotlight: MSNBC Films Live at Hofstra

[3]In the Spotlight: MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell broadcasts live from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.Today’s stock slippage was a key talking point on this afternoon’s MSNBC political talk show filmed at Hofstra University. Under an elaborate tent and atop an embroidered rug, host Andrea Mitchell focused on key topics like the economic crisis and recent pole results forecasting the results of the upcoming election.

The scene was hectic with students and community members relentlessly hoisting huge cardboard signs above the heads of the crowd. And the colorful posters conveyed a checkerboard of causes, some targeting the candidates themselves, others focusing on the act of protesting, and some highlighting specific issues like the legalization of marijuana.

In typical TV fashion, production assistants spurred an unnaturally high level of enthusiasm from the crowd by dramatic (perhaps desperate) hand waves. Regardless, the loud partisan shouting and name-calling was all in good fun — neither fights nor outward aggression ensued.

Featured guests on the episode included Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), MSNBC’s Washington Correspondent Mike Whitaker and Karen Tumulty, Time Magazine’s national political correspondent.

All commented on Obama’s leading edge in many of the swing states according to recent public opinion polls, as well as the candidate’s contrasting stimulus plans. Claiming that McCain’s proposed economic policy is reminiscent of Reagan-era Republicanism, Schumer noted that people today are aware of our country’s problems, and are ardently looking for solutions.

[4]15 Minutes of Fame: MSNBC Host Andrea Mitchell interviews guests against the backdrop of student supporters.

Obama’s stimulus plan poses its own complications, which guests highlighted as questioned whether the plan is overly generous given the nation’s economic crunch.

The pressure is on tonight as the candidates face-off in a final test of the minds and wills. Check back for more updates from Hofstra as the hours tick down to 9 p.m.