Presidential Debate - Matthew Reynolds

This 1st presidential debate was unlike any other. Trump vs. Clinton was a heated, bickering, dog fight. They both seemed to play defense throughout the entirety of the debate, but they manage to hone in certain topics such as crime, national security, and the economy. As the debate went on, it was clear that the two candidates had both strengths and weaknesses.

While Trump seemed frantic at times, Clinton kept her composure. She seemed very well prepared as she let any attack Trump had planned for her go through one ear, and out the other. This was an overwhelming strength apposed to Trump. The second area of strength for Clinton again involved her solid preparation. With every questioned asked, she had a clear, well-thought response with factually based evidence. This preparation was also a fault. She had planned out her arguments to the point that they were spoken robotically. Lastly, Clinton appeared to be in control as Trump kept taking shots at her, making it seem that Clinton is the leader of the two. But, she missed a glaring opportunity to expose him. Clinton didn't seize her chance to fully expose Trump for not paying his federal taxes.

Trump's greatest strength is his ability to understand and manipulate the media. His syntax is simple, enabling all to understand thoroughly, and is quite the entertainer. His next strength is his ability to relate and appeal. He reinstated on many occasions that he is a business man before a politician. For a nation that has an estimated $19.3 million in debt, this will drew much attention. Trump's biggest weakness was how he blatantly ignored Lester's question. He would simply not answer the prompts by ranting and attacking something else. Also, Trump would make claims, and be unable to back them up with facts.

Clinton was the clear winner of the 1st debate. She kept her cool, answered the questions thoroughly, and did a better job with the literal debate.