The crowd at Nick’s English Hut was on the edge of their seats as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump walked onto the debate stage.
Local democrats gathered at Nick’s on Monday night for a watch party as Trump and Clinton debated at Hofstra University. The debate was broken down into three segments — “America’s Direction” (domestic issues), “Achieving Prosperity” (the economy) and “Securing America” (national security and foreign policy).
Luke Baker, a Bloomington resident, wore a T-shirt covered in Hillary Clinton’s photos for the watch party. Baker said he was excited for the debate because it was Clinton’s major opportunity to sell herself against Trump to the American people.
“She’s broken so many ceilings as first lady,” Baker said. “I can’t wait to see her do it as president.”
This starts with the debate, he said. Clinton’s resume, including her experience as secretary of state, senator and first lady, clearly sets her above Trump. He said he is not sure how anyone could support the Republican candidate.
[IU Republicans had differing views on debate | IDS]
Prior to the debate, Kegan Ferguson, president of the College Democrats of Indiana, said he hopes to see Clinton use policy-centric and detail-oriented arguments to emphasize Trump’s weaknesses on foreign and domestic policy. He said he hoped Clinton exposed Trump’s lack of substance.
The double standard between Clinton and Trump was particularly evident tonight because Clinton had to sell herself while also holding Trump accountable, Baker said. He expected the gender dynamics to play a big role.
Sydney Ellison, a Hillary for Indiana Fellow, said she was unhappy with, but not surprised by, Trump’s blatant sexist comments.
“Secretary, may I ask if I can call you that?” Trump said in the debate.
Ellison said these are the kind of demeaning, sexist comments that she was expecting from Trump. They are a small way for him to reinforce his misogynistic agenda.
The double standard between the candidates is further exemplified by the standards Clinton must meet to win compared to Trump, Ferguson said.
“Hillary has to be perfect to win,” Ferguson said. “All Trump has to do is not vomit on himself.”
[Hoosier Debate Team unimpressed by Trump, Clinton performances | IDS]
Josh Edge, Bloomington resident, said he was concerned going into the debate that Trump would not be able to stand still for the 90 minute time frame.
“As president, he needs to be able to do this,” Edge said.
Ellison said her final reaction to the debate was that she felt more proud than ever to support Clinton for president and she clearly won. Clinton was honest and answered every question, unlike her opponent, she said. Ellison added, Trump appeared frazzled and could not answer many questions.
At the end of the day, this is about helping the every day American, Ellison said. This debate proved that only Clinton is able to do this.
“This election is up to you,” Clinton said in the debate. “It’s not about us, it’s about you.”
