Debate Insider Video: The day history happened

WashU cheerleaders cheer

From the national networks beginning their broadcasts at daybreak to the post-debate Spin Alley frenzy, Oct. 9, 2016, was a historic day at WashU. Our video team captured many of the moments.

A peek inside Spin Alley

journalists crowd Spin Alley

About 2,000 journalists — including dozens from other countries — converged at Washington University in recent days to cover the presidential debate Oct. 9. When it was over, they swarmed into Spin Alley to gather analysis from candidates’ surrogates and political experts to wrap up their stories by deadline.

Student presidents share debate spotlight

From right: Graduate Professional Council President Haley Dolosic, Student Union President Kenneth Sng, Risa Zwerling and Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton greet presidential candidate Donald Trump before the 2016 presidential debate at Washington University. (Photo: Joe Angeles/Washington University)

As student presidents of SU and GPC, Kenneth Sng and Haley Dolosic enjoyed a few perks. But mostly the two worked tirelessly to help make the debate experience special for everyone.

Social media brings debate story to life

students pose for a photo

The excitement surrounding the Oct. 9 debate at WashU was shared with the world via social media, resulting in an unprecedented level of audience engagement for the university. Twitter and Instagram users made full use of the #WashUdebate2016 hashtag.

Sharing the experience: ‘Yes, I was here’

From Hillman Hall to Holmes Lounge, from the Danforth University Center to the 560 Music Center, from Edison Theatre to Mudd Field to even the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine campus, thousands of students, faculty, staff and alumni shared in the debate experience through watch parties.

Debate Fair offers more than fun and games

Student Union sponsored a Debate Fair, focusing on important issues this election cycle, registering students to vote and offering ice cream, a photo booth and more. (Photo: Jerry Naunheim Jr./Washington University)

Student programming culminated in a Debate Fair Sunday, Oct. 9. In addition to having fun, the focus was to engage students with issues surrounding the election and encourage them to vote.

Witnessing a ‘historic moment’

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton welcomes participants of the presidential debate town hall to Washington University in St. Louis. (Photo: Joe Angeles/Washington University)

As the eyes of the world were focused on Washington University, here’s what one set of eyes inside the debate hall observed.

Winning the debate lottery

students celebrate at ticket lottery

On Sunday, the university was given 352 tickets by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and it distributed all of them to lucky students, who were selected via a lottery system.