Washington University Touts Hidden Payoffs of an Expensive Presidential Debate

The return on investment on hosting a presidential debate doesn’t come in dollars, despite the steep cost.  Hosting the Oct. 9 event alone costs Washington University $1.9 million. The cost of supplies, security, technology and labor bring the total tab upwards of $5 million.  It’s a massive expense and enterprise — complete with a temporary construction blitz that includes hundreds of feet of perimeter fencing — for 90 minutes in the spotlight.