Debate Blog Post- Kathryn Campbell

This debate was one unlike any others, identical to the rest of the campaign. This debate focused on many issues including national debt, taxes, and racial issues, among others. This debate was dominated by a more professional and poised Hillary Clinton. She successfully mentioned quantitative data, as well as brought forth racist and sexist quotes from Donald Trump. She empathized with citizens facing struggles and highlighted how Trump magnifies these struggles with discriminatory quotes and opinions. Clinton showed some weakness throughout this debate by sinking to Trump's level. She attempted to argue and bicker with his mindless jabber. She also slightly lacked professionalism by smiling and snickering at some of his comments. Besides this, she was ultimately very respectful, especially in comparison to Trump. Besides calling her Secretary Clinton, instead of formerly used "Crooked Hillary", Trump was very disrespectful. Hypocritically he talked over her consistently during her delegated speaking times, then rudely addressed her when she, very minimally, attempted to do the same. In addition to this, Trump denied facts with a simple word used repeatedly: Wrong. He attempted to invalidate Clinton's campaign adds featuring actual videos of him voicing his prejudicial opinions by saying "I never said that". When Clinton considered the fact that Trump may intentionally be hiding his tax records because he does not pay federal income taxes, he responds with "That makes me smart", which implies that he admits to not paying said income taxes. Overall, Clinton was far superior in her speaking skills, composure, and ability to talk about actual policy. Though not a great debate over all for Clinton due to her sinking to Trump's level, she did quite a bit better than Trump, who ultimately acted in the same aggressive and nonsensical ways he has in the past.