Around the time that Barack Obama and John McCain bent over backwards to show that they commiserated with the “hurtin’” middle class, two anti-war activists were physically hurt protesting outside of the debate held at Hofstra University. One, Nicholas Morgan, fractured a cheekbone when trampled by a Mounted Unit horse. In the end, fifteen protestors who identified themselves as Iraq War veterans were arrested.

Newsday reports:

A series of Iraq war protests culminated with the arrest of 15 people on disorderly conduct charges at the gates of Hofstra University. Most of those arrested were from out of state and from New York City, police said Thursday morning.

 

The largest crowd, about 350 people, carrying signs and shouting slogans, gathered outside the gates at 5:30 p.m. and remained for hours…

Nassau Police spokesman Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said, "They were turned away from trying to enter the Hofstra's north gate. When they insisted on coming through they were placed under arrest . . . there might have been one injury. I don't believe that it was serious and he was taken to an area hospital."

 

Most of those arrested were expected to be released on court appearance tickets for Nov. 10, police said.

 

Earlier in the day, Jean Stevens of Manhattan, a spokeswoman for peace group Code Pink, said the anti-war protesters were "here to bring our message to both candidates and both parties to stop the war."

Code Pink, a predominantly female anti-war group, describes themselves as a “grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq.” Many in the crowd expressed anathema for Vietnam vet John McCain.