The Democratic presidential candidates debate, which Drexel hosted October 30, 2007, put Drexel squarely in the national spotlight.

The debate capped a month of logistics planning and preparations for the Office of Government and Community Relations and the Office of University Relations, which together coordinated with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and MSNBC. More than 300 students and dozens of faculty and staff members volunteered.

Almost 400 journalists were credentialed for the debate. Stories about the debate that noted Drexel were published in almost 800 newspapers, magazines and Web sites worldwide. In the United States alone, almost 800 newscasts noted Drexel’s role.

“NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams” was broadcast live from the sixth floor of MacAlister Hall, and MSNBC’s “Hardball With Chris Matthews” was broadcast from the Quad. “Good Morning America” and the “Today” show broadcast live segments outside Creese Student Center on November 1.

One of six sanctioned by the DNC, the debate was broadcast live on MSNBC and streamed on MSNBC.com and Drexel’s Web site. More than 2 million viewers tuned in, making it one of the five most watched debates on cable in 2007, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Williams served as debate moderator and Tim Russert, managing editor and moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” served as contributor.

During a predebate program, T.J. Rooney, chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic party, and Howard Dean, chairman of the DNC, welcomed the audience, including Drexel students, faculty and staff members. Remarks were delivered by Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania, Joseph H. Jacovini, chairman of Drexel’s Board of Trustees, Jeff Gardosh, president of Drexel’s USGA, and President Papadakis. The Drexel University Gospel Choir performed “America the Beautiful” under the direction of Dr. Gregory Ross.

Dr. Papadakis presented each of the seven candidates a Drexel University President’s Medal.