Presidential Debate - Joshua O'Steen

The 1st presidential debate was a unique one. Trump and Clinton during the debate seemed to be defending themselves the whole time, but they were able to discuss the topics of crime, the economy, and others. As they did so, they showed obvious strengths and weaknesses which either helped them or cost them.

Clinton had very strong composure during the whole debate and kept her ‘cool’. She made sure that Trump didn’t get in her head and made sure that something he said wouldn’t incite anger from her. The second area of strength for Clinton was her ability to answer the questions with certainty and facts. She was very prepared coming into the debate and knew enough on each issue that was brought up. While her preparedness is a strength, it is also a weakness because she seemed to speak as though she were using a script. Furthermore, Clinton also didn’t go after Trump when she could have. Trump blatantly lied multiple times and brought up the fact that he doesn’t pay federal taxes. Clinton could have and should have attacked him at his weak points.

Speaking of Trump, he had some strengths and weaknesses at the debate. One of Trump’s greatest strengths is his speaking ability and understanding of the media. He is entertaining to watch and speaks simply, making it easier for people to understand and relate to him. Another one of Trump’s strengths was his ability to appeal to people’s beliefs. He would on countless occasions bring up the fact that he’s a businessman and not a politician which many people would honestly prefer. Also, he brought up Clinton’s emails in order to defend himself and make himself seem purer than Clinton. Two areas of weakness for Trump were that he avoided questions and then gave little to no evidence throughout the debate. Trump would consistently avoid questions by simply just not answering the question that was asked. Lester Holt on many occasions had to repeat the questions for Trump. Moreover, Trump, while making claims, wouldn’t back any of it up with actual facts or evidence.

Clinton, in my opinion, was the obvious winner of the debate because she did a better job at actually debating. She made claims, backed them up with evidence, and explained how they’re important to the American people and how she can help the American people with her policies. Trump did not do these things and therefore he lost the debate.