The first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump certainly had its share of fireworks.
With 43 days until the general election, tempers flared at Hofstra University. Although there wasn’t a lot of talk of substantive policy during the debate, it was certainly a preview of what we may see in the final lap of the election cycle.
Both candidates were quick to attack each other during the debate.
With hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into key swing states around the country, it’s doubtful the mud-slinging will slow down.
Talk about healing the racial divide was certainly insightful, as both candidates discussed ways they think they can make a difference.
The differences between candidates were certainly clear. On taxes, Clinton discussed raising taxes on the upper class, while Trump pledged to reduce taxes for all Americans. Unfortunately, actual figures weren’t mentioned, with both candidates attempting simply to defame the other’s policy.
In my opinion, Trump was certainly funnier than Clinton.
Clinton is far less animated and struggles to connect with voters in the way that Trump does. This was certainly an advantage for Trump.
At the end of the day, I believe that the two did a decent job. Trump stayed on message and hit his normal talking points, as did Clinton.
Both candidates were primed to touch on the hostile points. Trump played on the email scandal, and Clinton attacked Trump for the perpetuation of the birther movement surrounding President Obama. As expected, there were no resolutions to such issues but rather discussion that danced around the questions.
National security was also a big topic of the debate, and both candidates attempted to prove their plans for our security were superior. Russia, China, hackers and ISIS were hot topics.
Trump touted his numerous endorsements, while Clinton stuck to cold, hard policy, with neither candidate discussing specifics.
Trump also criticized Clinton for her involvement in the 2016 Iran deal. He also called for the other nations involved in NATO to pay debts owed to America and a greater focus to be placed upon terror.
Terrorism was another major topic, with Trump claiming that Clinton created a vacuum when the United States pulled out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both candidates called for a revamp of America’s cybersecurity capabilities, which I believe is a good thing.
The final showdown between Trump and Clinton should be entertaining for Americans. I am looking forward to the next debates and to the final stretch of the election. Between then and now, who knows what will happen.
This is simply a preview of things to come.
Let the games begin.
staranyi@indiana.edu
@TweetsByAranyi
