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Obama, Romney mix it up in 2nd debate

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The second of three presidential debates between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney proved more engaging and interactive than their previous encounter in Denver, thanks to the format which involved dozens of undecided voters.

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Green Party candidate Jill Stein and her running mate Cheri Honkala appeared to be arrested early Tuesday evening during a protest outside the main gates of Hofstra University, where President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney are scheduled to have their second presidential debate.

Stein and Honkala were protesting the exclusion of all but the two major political parties from participating in the debate.

According to a post on the blog Long Island Report, Stein and Honkala attempted to gain access into the debate hall but were denied entry by Hofsta officials because they did not have credentials needed for entry. A line of police would move in to block the entrance and physically block her entry.

After arguing with police and university officials for about 20 minutes, Stein and Honkala sat down in the street with an American flag draped over their laps in protest. Police warned them to move or face arrest, but the pair refused to move, and the order was given to take them into custody. Both appeared to go peacefully.

It was not clear what charges Stein and Honkala face.

The Long Island Report quotes Stein just prior to her arrest saying the following to police and any spectators within earshot:

Stein, who has run for president before, is listed on the ballots in 85 percent of the country, according to

her campaign website

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